Krause House
By Holmes Architecture
Boxy aesthetic, feature atrium stairwell, high performance and not to comply with any typical suburban typologies. These were the clients key criteria when contemplating what to build within a boutique residential development featuring meandering lane way access, established native planting and well presented but traditional suburban homes. In response a series of cedar, metal, render and brick boxes have been stacked over two stories allowing the building to be setback, offering a generous open space to the street while presenting an impressive composition of forms from any vantage point.
On approach, via a quaint private lane way bordered by manicured front yards and single level hip roofed dwellings, the finished building is almost rebelliously modern and provides a visual pop of contemporary sculpture within it’s established suburban setting. While the architecture is a counterpoint to the existing development the building sits comfortably within it’s setting where the various forms and eclectic materials have been articulated and offset to offer a highly expressionist modern home.
Beyond this striking first impression however, the home offers a highly functional design solution with utility, services, storage, private retreat and circulation all integrated carefully into the scheme so that the open plan living spaces and connected outdoor living is not encumbered by any of the homes more utilitarian requirements.
The home is high performing with a fully insulated slab, Formance SIP envelop, breathable Proclima vapor barriers, balanced heat exchange ventilation system and thermally broken window joinery all contained within a complex structural system and highly detailed external envelop.
Complementing the eclectic external forms and finishes are the homes interiors which feature colourful paint finish OSB walls, internal metal linings, feature steel/ white ash and acrylic stair atrium, textural wall coverings along with a bright and playful kitchen fit out.
The end result is an effortless convergence of function and form where the architecture is able to simultaneously communicate the personality of the client while tending to any and all pragmatic and environmental requirements.
Photography by André Vroon
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Krause House
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Krause House
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About the
Professional
With a family heritage in construction and as a qualified builder himself, Mike Holmes established Holmes Architecture while completing the Masters of Architecture programme at Victoria University.
Working on complex residential and commercial projects fostered an affinity with built form, and Holmes Architecture was initiated through connecting this intimate knowledge of the construction process with an intuition and passion for architecture and design.
Mike’s approach to the design process is fluid and intuitive, although his non-linear approach is always coupled with a strong sense of identity, purpose and process - “Establishing identity is fundamental to the creative process and establishing who you, and your clients are, will ensure a clear project vision.”
Identity may be revealed in a multitude of ways: architectural style, environmental considerations, materiality, detailing, form, relationship to landscape - in either case a strong sense of form and composition is often a theme of the practice. Client and context is the first conversation initiated in each project, where the many competing forces of the design brief are reconciled through design thinking, visualisation and documentation.
Mike believes that architecture is communication in both practice and product - “The spark that delivers an initial design insight is a relatively brief moment in the process. The practice of architecture is then the communication of this brief and intense moment. What elevates buildings to architecture is when a designer has something worthwhile to say and does so in an insightful and honest way.”
Mikes ultimate aim is that unexpected and delightful design solutions are achieved through balancing function, construction and efficiency with a deep empathy for site, context and client.