Reflective of Place – Las Palmas by DUO Architects and Davis Architects
Inspired by the influence of modernist architecture, Las Palmas is a dynamic meeting of opposing ideals. Combining efforts, DUO Architects and Davis Architects use textured materiality to bring the vision behind Las Palmas to life.
Embedded into its gently sloping site on Byron Bay’s hinterland, Las Palmas relates to the surrounding landscape through a considered understanding of the site’s orientation. “There was a sense that you could be tucked in and protected whilst, at the same time, commanding a very open view into a landscape that unfolded in layers in front of your eyes,” explains Ed Davis, Director of Davis Architects. Despite proposing two distinctive yet interactive experiences, the two sides of the structure come together to jointly promote engagement with the surrounding site.
The influence of modernism is gracefully represented in several features of Las Palmas, beginning with its silhouette. A flat roof stretches across the landscape, creating a long horizontal plane that formally harmonises with the vista beyond. Clean-lined and aesthetically modest, the roof adheres to the classically modern principle of form following function. The home also possesses a robust materiality, featuring natural stone – which references the colours of the natural context – and an exterior clad in Australian hardwood. Large windows visually extend the interior of the home beyond its framework, embracing the outdoors in modernist fashion.
Promoting dual aspect living, the internal spaces are carefully divided, splitting the house into two pavilions. Whilst one wing is dedicated to private use, the other is purposed for entertaining, centred around an award-winning modular sofa by KING and featured in a warm oatmeal-coloured fabric that reflects the relaxed character of the space. Equipped with premium timber shelving, the sofa can be reconfigured to accommodate a variety of different seating arrangements, speaking to a desired design flexibility.
