The Art of Balance – Anderson Road by B.E Architecture

Embodying the art of balance, Anderson Road sees B.E Architecture use fine details to manage the impact of a raw material palette. The resulting residence deftly juggles ideas of intensity and texture to establish its own unique identity.

Located in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn, Anderson Road emerges from the architectural opportunities allowed by its site. Recognising the slight fall in the landscape, B.E Architecture crafts a series of buildings staggered in levels and subtly separated by pockets of greenery. As the roofline extends and weaves, drawing the gaze towards distinct areas both high and low, the structure takes on a multi-zonal character, offering experiences of differing intensity across its elements.

The materiality of Anderson Road posits a bold and emotive residential landscape.

The materiality of Anderson Road posits a bold and emotive residential landscape. B.E Architecture uses a saturated palette of terracotta-toned brickwork in combination with raw concrete to create a powerful impression of earthy tactility. The textural focus extends to the clay-coloured paint chosen, which features a sand-like finish. Mirroring the variation found in the home’s exterior, the overall material effect of the home is equally tempered. Oak floors and curving and cedar-toned furniture juxtapose and soften the striking brickwork and concrete, enabling a nuanced interiority.

Internally, B.E Architecture punctuates the residence with strong statements of design joined together by flowing transitional spaces. A focal ribbon staircase gives way to an open kitchen area that is grounded by a sharply-angled, concrete island bench – neighbouring work benches mimic the island’s aesthetic to create a cohesive impact. Furthering the sense of complexity, compressed spaces such as the hallway are contrasted with upwards expansive volumes of soaring ceilings. Similarly, small sections of lush landscaping – forming private gardens – are balanced by larger areas towards the rear of the property leading to the pool.

Timber floors supplied by Made by Storey offer an elegant interpretation of the raw material palette, produced in a custom narrow profile.

Fine details complement the broader design features of Anderson Road, establishing a cohesive interior scheme. Timber floors supplied by Made by Storey offer an elegant interpretation of the raw material palette, produced in a custom narrow profile. The bespoke flooring solution enhances the sense of seamlessness between spaces whilst echoing the contours of the brickwork. Minimal wire-brushing promotes a textural finish under natural light and the colour of the boards – Sesame from the Tonal Collection – warms the home. Furthermore, using a series of custom light fittings integrated into the walls and tiled niches, B.E Architecture playfully highlights the more formal qualities in an interplay of light and shadow.

Pushing the boundaries of residential design, Anderson Road is a lesson in the use of saturated colour and imposing texture. By modulating the strongest aesthetic elements, B.E Architecture is able to create a sense of harmony within a dynamic and customised project.