On a suburban street in south-east Melbourne is a handsome house with precise angles and tactile façade. Created by architect Lauren Martin and interior designer
Amanda Martin of design practice Studio Martin, this property is home to a young family of four.
“Our clients grew up in south-east Melbourne and were keen to raise their kids in the same area for that sense of community, local shops, ovals, and parks,” says Lauren.
Sharing space with the kitchen and dining, the living area is compact yet functional with careful thought given to the colour of each inclusion, and the Ligne Roset ‘Togo’ chair and footstool from Domo, Halcyon Lake rug and Louis Poulson for Verner Panton ‘Panthella’ floor lamp tick all the right boxes. A grey, concrete-look finish has been applied to the walls for added depth and light-play.
“They wanted a warm but minimalist environment, a retreat from their day-to-day lives.” At the top of the wish list was a timeless aesthetic that wouldn’t date for the exterior and a fresh interior scheme. The home needed to have plenty of storage and ample amenities, but be low-maintenance. Structurally, the clients wanted a double garage, at least four bedrooms and an open-plan living environment.
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Australian Hardwood Timber cladding painted in Porter’s Paints ‘Palm Beach Black, custom laser-cut Barestone panels from Cimintel and concrete effect render were used for the exterior of the house.
Studio Martin began the project in January 2019, with careful consideration given to spatial planning and natural sun light. “With a north-facing street frontage, orientation was a primary consideration,” says Lauren.
Cabinetry constructed by Today’s Kitchens is made from Laminex Sublime Teak and Natural White surfaces, which nicely complement the engineered oak timber floorboards. The benchtops are made from Caesarstone raw concrete, as is the kitchen island, which is a bespoke design by Studio Martin. A pendant light by tossB from Hub Furniture hangs over the Elements Bouchon cork bar stools from Domo.
STYLE TIP: Use textured materials with a soft or matte appearance to add depth and contrast, and make a minimal interior feel more inviting.
“Skylights and windows were carefully placed to bring northern light into the home, particularly the main living area at the back of the site.”
A HC28 Teatro table, Ligne Roset chairs and Halcyon Lake rug appear in the dining zone. Curtains, Zepel Allusion. Artwork, Mirka Mora.
Timber and concrete were key materials for both interior and exterior schemes, and the ground floor was designed to feel like a series of open spaces that flow into one another. The stairs to the upper level became a bold architectural feature. Upstairs, the bedrooms each feel like secluded sanctuaries, filled with soft light and rich colours. The build was completed in June 2021.
A walk-in-robe and ensuite are connected to the main bedroom. Carpet, Feltex. Stool, Anibou.
The use of Laminex, Caesarstone and custom cabinetry continues in the bathroom, with sinks and matte black
tapware from ABI Interiors, Artemide ‘Teti’ wall lights and tiles from Classic Ceramics.
“As the project was budget conscious, we implemented a modest palette throughout the home. The client wanted a muted and natural scheme and to introduce colour via art and selected furnishings,” says Amanda.
An artwork from Stephan Baker’s We’re In This Together series hangs above the bed in the main bedroom , which also features a Vitra ‘Wiggle Side’ chair by from Living Edge. Side table, Space Furniture. Carpet, Feltex. Curtains, Zepel Allusion.
Priority was given to textured furnishings with a soft appearance to add depth and warmth to the sleek scheme. “Our furniture selection is a mix of neutrals with pops of colour or bold elements like interesting chairs, graphic rugs and lights, but at the same time the furniture selection had to be practical and robust as the clients have a growing family,” says Amanda.
The study nook is a neat space with Laminex Sublime Teak shelving, Eames chair and lamp from Ajar. Sand Hills artwork by Lily Kelly Napangardi.
Studio Martin is at studiomartin.com.au and @studiomartin_
Styling: Jarvis Baker
