Coastal Collaboration – The House That Charlie and Ash Built by Proske Architects, Tessia Interior Design and Moor Living
Commencing from a clear understanding of place, The House That Charlie and Ash Built ambitiously yet respectfully addresses its historical context. Through a continued collaboration between Proske Architects, Tessia Interior Design and Moor Living, the resultant building talks to its surroundings in a contemporary interpretation of a coastal family home.
A complete rebuild, the project is the outcome of an ambitious brief for a contemporary family dwelling with strong personality, encompassing the overarching ideal of sensitive response to historical neighbourhood overlays. Paying careful attention to datum, forms, rhythm and application of material expression within the surrounding housing stock, the home is at once completely modern and comfortable in its address.
Adhering to the surrounding cottage frontage typology, the residence echoes this approach, reinterpreting the typical single storey pitched form and verandah providing shelter to bedrooms within. A standing seam roof hovers delicately over solid off-form concrete, providing a crisp silhouette to the sky and hinting of more revelation to come. Drawing visitors along the return verandah, the entry portal is contained on three sides, encased with different materiality to each. Traditionally worked sandstone contrasts strongly with precisely detailed off-form concrete pillars opening rhythmically to the garden beyond. Above, richly textured dark timber battens sit suspended, touching only where absolutely necessary. The journey culminates in a full-height glazed pivot door, allowing the flow of materials to continue internally to encase the single storey element and ensure upper forms remain recessive to the street.
An immediate shared understanding between all parties led to a cohesive and restrained material palette throughout, showing maturity in tone and application. External finishes are hardwearing, selected for integrity and contrast through form and pattern whereas internal materials are kept deliberately light, welcoming and tactile. Warm toned timber and natural stone pair together throughout, offset frequently with crisp textured white panelling, encouraging appreciation of the movement of light and directly contrasting with black painted external battens. This approach is typified in kitchen and living zones, which encase a sense of expressiveness in the application of solid timber legs, white benchtop and paneling combined with a natural stone hearth bringing tonal movement to the space.
The restrained nature of the palette brings a sense of calmness, focusing attention through living spaces and connecting to courtyards interspersed with built form. Here, generously proportioned aluminium sliding doors keep the view focused on the exterior, inviting enjoyed connection with garden and pool beyond. This allows outdoor areas to become the defining presence determining the spatial character of the ground floor, adding depth to the experience. In a subtle planning move, outdoor cooking zones are located to the side of the residence, allowing the dining courtyard to open fully to adjacent spaces, establishing a meaningful connection and further enhancing flow between inside and out.
Tuned to its location and designed to enable its occupants to experience the coastal lifestyle, The House That Charlie and Ash Built sees Proske Architects, Tessia Interior Design and Moor Living embrace a truly collaborative approach. The result is a dynamic yet respectful family home typifying a new coastal lifestyle.
