O’Grady

This project, designed by Whiting Architects in collaboration with Carole Whiting, deals with volumes and forms…concealing and revealing views and functional elements.

Large forms slide into the space crossing boundaries of exterior to interior and stack like crates, breaking up the space between laundry/utility and living.

Two agendas – it can all be opened up or the space can be closed off as necessary.

Visitors only see what is required.

The option to conceal or reveal elements allows formal and familiar visitors to experience the space differently.

Doors are disguised as panelled walls.

And the attic inserts into the roof allowing framed views to exterior and interior areas without denying privacy.

Light filters through the house.

Lines are blurred between interior and exterior through architectural forms and decorative elements.

The external is invited inside.

Whiting Architects didn’t need to design more with this project; they just had to design better.

So they kept the building envelope single level on the rear for minimal impact and cost effectiveness.

It’s just what it needs to be.

Colours define primary forms and allow the volume of white space to assume prominence.

A vintage barn door to the rear laneway sits in harmony with the crates’ tones and in opposition to the rear façade.

The simple black and white palette is continued in the main and loft bedrooms with a blackboard wall standing proud in the stairwell wearing a graphic white cross light.

Black is introduced to the window seat to blend the line between interior and exterior and to create drama.

The overall style and approach is monochromatic. Whiting Architects utilized tone to accentuating and give weight to the architectural elements.

The kitchen has a ‘work’ precinct at one end; the fridge is recessed into the rear wall ‘hiding’ behind oak handles.

We ‘see’ it without knowing its purpose.

Benches in robust Dekton run the length of the living space topping the floating joinery element which conceals kitchen paraphernalia and appliances.

This allows the kitchen to extend right through the living space discreetly ending at the door-less entry to the butlers kitchen/utility space.

Project Details

Project Size – 160 m2
Site Area – 191 m2
Completion Date – 2016
Building Levels – 2

Project Team

Architecture and Interior Design

Whiting Architects

Whiting Architects is an Architecture and Interior Design studio with over 25 years’ experience.

Director Steven Whiting’s qualifications in both Interior Design and Architecture define the firms’ signature style and form a design philosophy that centres on the premise that there is no separation between disciplines.

Associate Directors Eleanor Eade and Josie Somerville have brought energy, passion and creative expertise to Whiting Architects over the last six years, providing a youthful and dynamic approach to the practice.

www.whitingarchitects.com

Carol Whiting Studio

Carol Whiting Studio is a Melbourne based multi-disciplinary office with an emphasis on authentic design, excellent service and considered, tailored solutions to their client needs.

The studio produces beautiful, personal, and functional spaces that enhance the lives of their clients.

An eye for detail, innovative choices in materials and spatial design, and an inclusive, collaborative approach to process results in elegant and memorable design solutions.

www.carolewhiting.com

Photography

Sharyn Cairns

Sharyn is at the forefront of commercial photography in Australia, with a specialist portfolio spanning interiors, food, travel, and lifestyle. She is committed to creating beautiful images that capture a mood and an emotion, playing with light and shadows to create levels of depth and distinctive memorable scenes.

Her work is featured in notable international and local magazines: Gourmet Traveller, Vogue Living, Belle, Dwell, Kinfolk, Elle Decoration UK, House and Garden UK, Living Etc UK and many others.

Sharyn collaborates with architects, designers and creatives on unique projects and has photographed numerous cookbooks for well-known chefs such as Maggie Beer, Shane Delia, Guy Grossi, Tobie Puttock and Jacques Reymond.

www.sharyncairns.com.au

Photo Gallery

Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.

Design © 2020 Whiting Architects and Carole Whiting. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Sharyn Cairns. All Rights Reserved.

Get the Builtworks Letter

In every edition of the Builtworks Letter, you’ll get the behind-the-scenes backstory as to how buildings are designed, built, and brought to life.

You’ll hear compelling stories, learn surprising ideas, meet engaging characters, and discover unique voices.