Bolton

by mckimm

A stunning fusion of contemporary spaces providing a comfortable home environment harmonious with every living corner.

Located in Melbourne, The Bolton House is full of functional spaces, which can be enjoyed by family and friends, both inside and out.

Playing homage to the great outdoors, the owners wanted to create a feeling of space in its entirely, with clearly zoned living areas, instead of many areas with determined boundaries.

Creating a contemporary space which could be enjoyed by family and friends, whilst at the same time, providing a comfortable home environment which remains harmonious throughout.

Upon entering the Bolton house, you are met with the tremendous spatial expansiveness of a light-filled void that is central to the design of the home.

Sheltering the expansive study area from the formal entry, a monumental off-form concrete wall holds the cantilevered treads of the American Oak staircase.

Facilitating visual connections from the ground floor to the upstairs quarters, the staircase makes the volume and perceptual space larger, carrying your line of sight to the level that waits above.

Offering an internal experience to the Melbourne weather extremes, an oversized skylight screened with timber slats hovers delicately above the staircase creating a moving piece of art throughout the day. As the light shifts, the walls, stairwell and flooring has been coated in a different shade, shadow or light.

Externally, a cantilever seamlessly integrates the outdoor cabana with the house, providing a separate space for poolside entertaining.

Staying true to the mckimm aesthetic, an entry port for natural light is created with the striking inclusion of a circular cutout within the cantilever, which adds character and distinction to the contemporary outdoor living areas.

The architectural layering of the Bolton design focuses heavily on a neutral palette using hard materials such as concrete, timber and steel to compliment the natural light from the northern orientation.

Offering chameleon-like characteristics due to the constantly changing internal environment, the Bolton provides comfort, a unique ambience and subtle articulation of spaces for the young family who call this house their home.

Photography by Derek Swalwell.