Manning Road House is situated in Melbourne’s established south eastern suburbs amongst predominantly historic red brick and tiled homes.
The brief called for a contemporary home for a young family of five, with additional accommodation for visiting family and friends.
Two interconnecting interior volumes are linked via a central 23m continuous linear skylight, generating a natural flow of movement through the spine of the house. A variety of open communal and intimate private spaces provide the framework for evolving family life. The sculpted form of the volumes responds to the site and environmental influences whilst also acknowledging the street and neighborhood planning controls. Light scoops reach out to capture north light into the bedrooms whilst skylights and screens allow light to animate the interior. ‘Crevices’ between the volumes bring landscape, light and ventilation into the heart of the dwelling, providing a seasonal display of light and shadow via operable windows and screens. A vented skin of Corten weathered steel wraps the building whilst openings with timber batten screens provide privacy and filter light. The palette is raw and elemental; materials are imbued with richness and softness through the play of light and space.