Neil Cownie Architect’s clients have a love for modernism and concrete.
This came from their appreciation of the history of the Perth 1960’s ‘Garden Suburbs’ of Floreat and City Beach.
It was this love of modernism that led them to purchase land in Floreat.
They wanted a family home that respected and drew on the modernist history of the area.
Neil Cownie’s clients had a passion for a house constructed from grey timber board finished concrete.
Neil says, “The wonderful thing about working with concrete is the liquid nature of the poured concrete prior to it setting as a sort of ‘liquid stone’. This allows the moulds that hold the concrete to define the finished texture.”
Through investigation, Neil Cownie’s team sourced a suitable timber board and sandblasted the surface of the timber to expose the grain.
This timber then formed the mould into which the liquid concrete was poured.
The end result is a wonderful textured timber grain finish to the concrete.
The low slung street-front roof over the living room and dining room has a ‘scooped’ profiled concrete upturn referencing the old City Beach Surf Lifesaving building.
Inspiration for this roof form was also taken from both the City Beach and Floreat Beach Kiosks.
The clients wanted a house that would be relevant over a long period of time.
They wanted to remain in this house during different stages of family life.
It was an important consideration to make sure that there was versatility in the way the house could be used.
They also wanted to have an understated house from the street.
They didn’t want a mansion look.
So it’s a single storey house from the front.
The only first floor part is the master bedroom.
The space has privacy because of the landscaping in the roof garden.
The owners can step out into this garden from their master bedroom.
Project Awards
- World Architecture Festival ‘INSIDE’ Awards ‘Residential’ category finalist (one of 12 worldwide) – Winners announced following a live presentation to Jurors – Amsterdam November 2018.
- A.I.A. WA ‘Shortlisted’ in the Lighting Award category 2018 for Roscommon House (one of five buildings).
- Australian Timber Design Awards 2018 National Winner in the ‘Residential Interior fit-out’ category for Roscommon House.
- Australia by Design – Channel 10 TV Program ‘Best in State’ Award 2018 + ‘Runner up’ Award Nationally for Roscommon House.
- Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Shortlisted ‘Residential Category 2018 for Roscommon House – Winners announced November 2018.
- Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Shortlisted ‘Sustainability’ Category 2018 for Roscommon House – Winners announced November 2018.
Project Details
Site Area – 780 m2
Completion Date – 2018
Project Details
Architecture and Interior Design
Neil Cownie Architect
With more than 35 years experience as an architect, Neil Cownie has reached an enviable point in his career. In 2009, he established his own firm so he could focus on projects that bring him – and his clients – delight and joy.
www.neilcowniearchitect.com.au
Photography
Michael Nicholson
Michael is an established commercial photographer who specialises in architectural and interiors photography.
He has a degree in architecture from the University of Sydney, and he brings the same level of vision, skill and experience to photography as an Architect brings to design, making him the photographer-of-choice for several leading architects.
Jack Lovel
Jack Lovel is an architectural photographer based in Melbourne, Australia.
With ten years worth of experience, Jack has worked with some of the leading architects and design practices in the field including Splinter Society, Carr Design, Christopher Elliott and Biasol.
His editorial work has featured in global publications like Dwell, Elle Decoration, Houses and Habitus.
Robert Frith
Robert Frith is a commercial photographer based in Subiaco, Perth.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2021 Neil Cownie Architect. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2021 Michael Nicholson, Jack Lovel, Robert Frith. All Rights Reserved.
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