As a composed insertion to its inner-south locale of Toorak, the Bell & Fisher Architects designed home considers the surrounding and existing context in comprising its parts on site.

Key to the home is a sense of longevity and permanence which is captured through select materiality, while connecting to a classically driven approach to form. Toorak House combines the regularity in framing to create a rhythm, while a crisp outer shell hints at modernist influences.

“The vertical battens elegantly wrap around curved corners to soften the form of the Garage and lead the way to the front door of the house, integrating with the landscaping.”

Patrick Gilfedder, Architect

Funnelling movement to the entrance, an expressive and darkly wrapped wall acts to disguise the garage as a prominent, functional object, and instead make it its own textural feature. While the silhouette remains rectilinear elsewhere, the garage becomes a softening gesture between the landscape and the built elements. Wrapping the arced wall, the Covet Kabebari concealed fix timberlook aluminium battens are used, 40x40 profile in the colour Kurosumi. The vertical battens combine the textural qualities of traditional timber, the engineering benefits of aluminium, and allow the homeowners to maintain a beautiful street presence with minimal maintenance over time.

“For external cladding we selected Covet Kurosumi 40 x 40mm aluminium battens because we considered the tone provided an ambiguity between the warmth of timber and the crispness of aluminium. “

Patrick Gilfedder, Architect

Carrying this established language upward, a similar approach sees the upper parapet of the second level wrapped in a complimentary way with the Covet battens. Wanting to have a similar and recessive affect and to lessen the impact of the overall form amongst the existing vistas, the clean fixing was ideal. Selected for their enduring nature when used outside, and the textural qualities, the neatness of the system was also an important and deciding factor in their application throughout.

“The Covet battens were selected for their very neat and concealed fixing application.”

Patrick Gilfedder, Architect

Completing the picture, matching Covet powder-coated aluminium battens are used internally as part screen, part divider and match the wall colour in finish. In reinforcing the spine and linear nature of the home, they balance privacy and separation. The extrusion upward through the stairwell brings light to both levels, Toorak House is strengthened by the subtle repetition and articulation of the battens, adding depth to the everyday experience of the home.

Matching concealed fix aluminium battens used internally as part screen, part divider and powder-coated to match the wall colour.

Cladding Profile - Ever Art Wood® Kabebari Battens with 40x40 and 50x150

Colour - Kurosumi - Discontinued

Fire rating - Performs well when tested to AS/NZ 1530.3 (spread of flame / index 0) and AS/NZ 3837-1998 (result / Group 1).

For a look similar to Shou Sugi Ban Japanese Burnt Timber, without the ash transfer, consider the uniquely textured warm toned Kakicha or cooler toned Kurocha. For a sleeker black timber grain look consider Burakku Erumu.

Designer: Guilford Bell & Graham Fisher Architects

Builder: PRM Constructions

Photography: Peter Bennetts Studio