An Indoor-Outdoor Oasis – House of Bronzed Steel and Stone by Megowan Architectural

Words by Chantelle Fausset
Architecture by Megowan Architectural
Photography by Timothy Kaye
Video by Dan Preston
Interior Design by Megowan Architectural
Landscape Design by Jack Merlo
Structural Engineer by Don Moore & Associates

House of Bronzed Steel and Stone sees Megowan Architectural craft a cutting-edge structure centred around indoor-outdoor living. With an emphasis placed on natural light and a muted yet sophisticated material palette, the home emerges as both modest and intimate yet open and flowing.

Nestled within a vibrant neighbourhood just south of Melbourne’s CBD, House of Bronzed Steel and Stone emerges from the landscape as a dominant, striking structure. Sculpted by Megowan Architectural, the home primarily uses steel and natural limestone both internally and externally, enhancing the character and charm of the contemporary structure.

The home immediately evokes a sense of calm and tranquillity through its natural material palette and earthy tones.

The journey through the home begins on the streetscape, seeing a steel gate filter occupants from the public domain into the private space, through the landscaped forecourt and a full-height, bronze pivot door. The home immediately evokes a sense of calm and tranquillity through its natural material palette and earthy tones. Green hues are introduced as a nod to the natural landscape, which is visible from multiple aspects within the home.

A set of large steel doors reveal an open kitchen, living and dining area that extends to the outdoors. A seamless indoor-outdoor living space is achieved through the continuation of the interior flooring into the outdoor area, eliminating traditional boundaries. Similarly, large bronze steel sliding doors fully retract to allow the area to naturally open. The landscaping is then used as a privacy device, becoming a key element in turning the home into an urban oasis.

A seamless indoor-outdoor living space is achieved through the continuation of the interior flooring into the outdoor area, eliminating traditional boundaries.

Light is directed to animate surfaces and spaces throughout the home. The venetian-plastered central stair void features an oculus that filters light down throughout the house. Light scoop devices are similarly integrated into the roof structure, bringing natural light from the north into the deeper, more private spheres of the home. The vista over the swimming pool also allows light to bounce off the surface of the water and dance through the living room, and an east-facing glass splashback allows light to filter through bamboo to animate the kitchen countertops.

House of Bronzed Steel and Stone artfully plays with contrast, juxtaposing heavy steel and stone with natural lighting. Megowan Architectural succeeds in finding a balance between open airiness and sturdy materials, crafting a home that stands gracefully stoic.