Considered Density – Slate House by Austin Maynard Architects

Deceptive from approach, Slate House presents as a singular home, yet it is a combined series of interwoven residences with a fossil-fuel-free status. Austin Maynard Architects carefully articulates the outer form to respectfully sit within the existing rhythm of the streetscape while proposing a new arrangement for increased density living.

Spread over three levels, the multiple-residence home challenges the typical response to the need for increased occupancy within an area. Instead of stacking each dwelling on top of one another, the 14 separate apartments are woven together across the multiple levels, with varying points of entry. With two residences facing the street, their access is more pronounced, while the others to the rear are arranged differently. Set within the established surrounds of Brighton in the south of Melbourne and immersed among properties of both generous scale and rich heritage, the overall formal approach is inspired by place. Austin Maynard Architects creates a texturally diverse series of homes that, from afar, look connected yet have been brought together with a high degree of execution.

Wanting to extend this considered philosophy internally, a focus on refinement is combined with efficiency through an energy-conscious lens.

Resembling a gabled form, the various residences each have different floor plates, making them truly individual. Through an observation of the existing scale and materiality, the proposed form moves away from an expected, block-like contemporary offering and instead aims to embed the new among the old with ease. Maintaining its place among the charm and character of the neighbourhood was important and pays homage to the previous homes on the site. With access from multiple streets, the t-shaped site is rearranged as an extension of the building fabric that already exists in the area.

From the beginning, it was important to ensure that, although the form responded to an existing silhouette, the performance and energy consumption needed to reflect best practice. Achieving a high energy rating, Slate House is deemed free from fossil fuels. Wanting to extend this considered philosophy internally, a focus on refinement is combined with efficiency through an energy-conscious lens. While each home has its own distinct qualities – made even more pronounced through a personalisation by their residents – a shared core of environmental consciousness was key. With common walkways between the forms and external cladding wrapping inward to encase corridors, the multiple residences spread across three blocks, allowing the concept of community to take on a whole new meaning.

Set within the established surrounds of Brighton in the south of Melbourne and immersed among properties of both generous scale and of a rich heritage, the overall formal approach is inspired by place.

As a series of high-performing homes, Slate House redefines a template for living in close proximity. By allowing the structure to form from contextual cues, Austin Maynard Architects ensures a fitting addition among the leafy surrounds.