Elevated Simplicity – Tectonic House by Cera Stribley and SJB

A modern interpretation of a stately residence, Tectonic House is proposed as a spatially aware and classically proportioned residence that ensures its longevity among the established neighbourhood. Cera Stribley and SJB collaborate to bring a tectonic assembly of weighted, linear parts, strengthening the home’s sense of stability.

Set within Toorak, in Melbourne’s lush inner south, Tectonic House references the existing Victorian-era and art deco homes in both scale and durability. As a contemporary residence, the engaging and generously sized site is reimagined with the brutalist style in mind, simplified to ensure its continued relevance among the surrounds. Together with architecture by SJB, the interior design by Cera Stribley ensures key features and elements bind together seamlessly across the site. From the landscape design by Jack Merlo to the seamless connections between inside and out, the house has been aligned with precision and care.

Taking inspiration from its namesake, the careful and deliberate arrangement of linear forms across the site creates moments of compression and release through a balance between the built and the natural elements.

Spread over multiple levels, the five-bedroom residence is home to a growing family. Therefore, integrating a sense of flexibility into the planning and the base palette was key to carrying forward the ideal foundation for the coming chapters. Taking inspiration from its namesake, the careful and deliberate arrangement of linear forms across the site creates moments of compression and release through a balance between the built and the natural elements. Whilst the materials remain dichromatic throughout, the combination of natural timbers and stone adds a depth of texture and connects to the natural surrounds. Internally, a separation between passive and active zones is made clear through the changing ceiling heights and the varying plushness of the flooring.

Within, polished plaster is applied to the clean lines and sweeping curves of the interior, whilst fluted glass plays with various transparencies. With comfort being a key motivator, supported by the elevated nature of the finishes and form, inviting furniture encourages interaction and rest. Disconnected from the outside world, the indoor and outdoor spaces feel calm and restorative, and the immersion within such a lushly garden helps emphasise that sense of separation. As the home is its own destination of retreat, privacy is expressed through minimal inward visibility and by directing views and movement to the rear landscaped areas and shared living zones.

As a contemporary residence, the engaging and generously sized site is reimagined with the brutalist style in mind, simplified to ensure its continued relevance among the surrounds.

In envisioning the memories to come within the home, Tectonic House is the ideal sanctuary for family life. The cohesion between the work of Cera Stribley and SJB ensures every element within its walls feels connected and inspired.