Raven House

by Bijl Architecture

Designed as a new house for a young family, this generous new dwelling by Bijl Architecture slots between its older neighbours with sensitivity and confidence. Bookended by a busy intersection and transport node at the street front, and with an enormous rockface stepping up at the rear, the topography and site character presented an excellent opportunity for a layered, form-led design and material approach. This dovetails with the design considerations for long term habitation and flexibility, the dwelling balancing many different potential futures with the robust demands placed upon it by contemporary family life. Broad floating steps lead up from the footpath to the front door, enclosed by a folded roof and metal screen to create a quietening and welcoming entry gesture.

The open plan living, kitchen, dining and covered deck at the rear operate as one flexible, expansive environment flowing out to the new pool with its dramatic rockface backdrop. Pared back interiors are fresh and bright juxtaposed with concrete block and chunky brick columns and blades anchoring home to earth. This is a home that shelters, centres, and celebrates family and foundation. It is revealed gradually through level changes and materiality: vertical and horizontal layers of brick, rock, metal, glass, and timber screening.