Timeless Material Character – Otsu House by Base Building Concepts
Reminiscent of the nearby ocean, Otsu House by Base Building Concepts is a refreshing and timeless exploration of texture, material and light. The site’s proximity to the beach called for a pared back and neutral colour palette, filling the internal spaces with warmth and reflective character.
The selective materials used within Otsu House are aesthetically nuanced and are marked by their ability to withstand the local climate. “Being so close to the ocean definitely had a big influence on the colour palette that we chose,” says Rachel Ooi of Base Building Concepts. “And not only the colours, but the products we used. We had to have something that would be very enduring, that would survive the harsh environment.”
The selective materials used within Otsu House are aesthetically nuanced and have the ability to withstand the local climate.
Purposeful material selection was a defining characteristic when designing the interior spaces, with Rockcote Japanese Otsumigaki used heavily throughout. “We really wanted to bring the textures and the colours to life,” explains Josh Ooi, Co-Director at Base Building Concepts. The raw nature of the Japanese clay acts as a significant connection to the beachfront. “The thing we loved about Otsumigaki was its subtle nature, its reflective qualities,” he says. “It wasn’t overbearing [and] it doesn’t stand out in direct light but, reflective in side light, it gives off a really nice lustre.” The textured material brings with it a distinctive sheen as it interacts with the space. “It’s got the attention to detail with warmth, even though it is a raw product like concrete,” explains Ryan Pedersen, Concretations Director.
Similarly fundamental to the palette, concrete is also used within the home. “The results [are] quite amazing,” says Ryan. “It’s architecturally pleasing.” Not only a thermal barrier, the concrete ceiling also allows for noise cancellation. “You can’t hear footsteps up above, perhaps music, whatever it may be,” he says. “It’s really created this real warm, quiet and peaceful place.” Concrete is used again in the curved kitchen bench, in keeping with the natural, neutral colour palette present throughout the family home.
Purposeful material selection was a defining characteristic when designing the interior spaces, with Rockcote Japanese Otsumigaki used heavily throughout.
The entrance is greeted with an enticing sculptural staircase. The curved structure draws the eye inward and up to the second floor, as the arch reflects the textured clay and evokes a visual connection to ocean waves. Curved features are continued throughout the interior, including within the ensuite shower, accentuated by its rectangular tiles.
A courtyard space acts as a lightwell throughout the ground floor. “It creates a really visual connection between all the rooms in the downstairs area,” says Rachel. “But not only that, when we open the doors, the breeze flows through [and] creates this beautiful pattern in the curtains, the shadows and the light.” The linen curtains here soften the raw concrete and delicately interact with the home’s neutral palette. “It balances the concrete on the ceiling beautifully,” Rachel says.
With its considered combination of finishes and textures, Otsu House’s timeless materials are attuned to its beachside locale. Considerately instilling a tranquil quality throughout, the family home emerges as a sophisticated insertion, strongly connected to its surrounding context. “It’s been really, really beautiful to see it all come together,” Rachel says.
