The project reconceptualises the Victorian terrace typology in response to a narrow urban site in a former industrial laneway with a brown roof and a dramatic, light-filled interior.

The brief was for a house that would support compact, urban living and respond to the laneway. The site lies within a heritage zone but was used as a tandem car park for the commercial unit. It had a single entrance accessible from the laneway with a 2.5 metre level difference across the site.

The interior design explores chiaroscuro through material, form and natural lights to create dramatic interiors. The concept elevates the ground to form a roof garden, which reduces the urban heat island effect and supports local ecology. Below the free-form timber roof is the kitchen and dining hall with an entrance veranda. The interior pleated concrete textured wall provides thermal mass and reduces flutter echo.

The design and procurement strategy utilises a network of local fabricators and craftspeople, tapping into the local manufacturing context, with more than 80 per cent of the building components fabricated within 10 kilometres of the site. Advanced technology, including robotics and Augmented Reality, was used to create intricacy in the design. Interior finishes evoke a sense of lush primitiveness in contrast with the concrete.

Furniture: Beds, chairs, wardrobes, and shelving designed by LLDS, fabricated by Power to Make, Outdoor bean bags by Fatboy. Lighting: Nemo Lightings, Lighting Republic, supply by Light Co. Finishes: Curtains: Warwick Fabrics by P&S Drapery, Bespoke upholstery: Wortley textilesby by Navascues Upholstery, Bathroom walls and vanity: Corian by Power to Make. Fittings & Fixtures: Bathroom tapware, showers and heated towel rails: ABI Interiors, WC pans: Duravit, Induction hob with downdraft exhaust: Bora, Combination oven: Bosch, Fridge freezer and dishwasher drawer: Fisher & Paykel, General Power Outlets and light switches: ZETR, Rondel glass: Artist, Ruth Allen and Jamfactory.

Photography: Tom Ross