Contrast is something typically used by B.E Architecture to communicatesubtle differences between elements, but itís a contrast that is framed bya unified whole. This is seen here in the Blackburn Residence, whichappears as a single structure but is actually two houses.Located on a long, narrow, inner-city parcel of land, the clients requiredtwo independent houses but did not want to compromise on the width.This meant the design was achieved by stacking one house on top of theother, which also created a sweeping horizontality in the design.The contrast is created through the use of materials. The lower flooris clad in dark, rough-cut bluestone while the upper floor is finished inglistening white polished render. A sculpted staircase connects the upperhouse to the ground. The decorative steel work in the skylight, black steelhandrail and interlocked stone work of the lower faÁade demonstratethe care and craftsmanship in the details. The lower house is linked toa series of landscaped gardens creating different sightlines from eachof the rooms. Outdoor space is not lost on the upper house. Terraceslooking out onto the city views provide the amenity required.