Challenging Perceptions – Jimmy’s House by MJA Studio

Challenging common perceptions of architecture and interior design, Jimmy’s House by MJA Studio is a modern home that makes use of its entire land block. Designed by its owner, Jimmy Thompson, Creative Director at MJA Studio, the residence features three gardens and a variety of spaces to work, live and find respite.

Throughout the construction of Jimmy’s House, many neighbours were curious about its form and function, so, upon completion, Jimmy held a street party. This allowed him to meet his neighbours as well as broaden their ideas of what architecture is and how interior design can be experienced. Located in Perth, and surrounded by residences that have been subdivided, Jimmy’s House demonstrates the different ways in which a home can be designed.

Spread over multiple levels, Jimmy’s House reveals how a modern home can merge open living with the surrounding environment.

Spread over multiple levels, Jimmy’s House reveals how a modern home can merge open living with the surrounding environment. From the laneway, the dwelling opens with a cut out portion allowing for a parking space, which is placed adjacent to the front door. Once inside, bedroom suites have been placed to the left of the house with glass doors that expand the living spaces out towards the internal summer courtyard. Over to the north side of the home is the studio space, which allows a controlled amount of natural light in – in turn allowing for work to be done without distractions. Upstairs, in an L-shape floor plan, are the living spaces that welcome additional northern light that then soaks the lower levels.

Placed within the home are three different garden spaces. The first is planted on the outside of the courtyard walls – known as the perimeter garden – and contains all edible plants and trees. A second garden is found in the central summer courtyard, where the series of plants, trees and shrubs planted are all medicinal and used for teas and tinctures. The roof garden is reached by a ladder and acts as a case study for how plants can grow in a green roof scenario. Additionally, these plants support local flora and fauna and the gardens become a place for birds and other life to find flourish.

Located in Perth, and surrounded by residences that have been subdivided, Jimmy’s House demonstrates the different ways in which a home can be designed.

As architect, interior designer and stylist of his own residence, Jimmy has created a house that challenges what society believes can be a home. Complemented by a neighbourhood that has embraced the modern ideas of MJA Studio, Jimmy’s House sets a new precedent of how architecture and interior design is viewed and created.