Concrete Curtain, Melbourne

The project's primary focus quickly centred on a dual objective: ensuring privacy and maximising natural light. Although this may seem like a straightforward starting point, the elongated and narrow site, coupled with its position on a busy street – with a school to the west and the bustling Toorak Village in close proximity – presented several challenges. According to Feras, "the streetscape and its dynamics were intriguing, but it's not a typical suburban street, so we really had to visually and acoustically shield the home." Furthermore, devising a design that set itself apart from the neighbouring "visual hubbub" while harmonising with the diversity of the streetscape required a delicate balance.

According to Feras, "most people manage home privacy through curtains or blinds; you can open them up during the day to allow sunlight in and close them at night to protect the internal experience. I took that narrative and applied it to concrete." The outcome is a façade adorned with concrete columns that seem to undulate along the front and side elevations. This reimagined brise-soleil disrupts sightlines while allowing light to filter through, fulfilling the project's requirements and providing a visually engaging relief to the exterior. "Instead of a high-walled cubist box, the house uses the columns to layer and activate its presence," Feras explains. "Close one eye, or open both fully, and the visual rhythm of pleated concrete becomes the soul-beat of this house." A solitary olive tree planted between the dwelling and the footpath creates a charming public moment. As Feras notes, it serves as "a symbolic offering—an olive branch of sorts—to the neighbourhood."

The residence embraces decorative lighting as an art form, featuring a carefully curated collection that includes the sculptural Flos Taccia, the minimalist Bon Jour, and the enchanting Oluce Spider. Each piece contributes to the visual tapestry of the home, adding layers of style and sophistication. As you step into the residence, the Flos Superloon in the entrance hall makes a bold statement. An ethereal presence, it bathes the foyer in a soft, ambient light, setting the tone for the refined elegance of the home.

The lighting design included the iconic Flos Arco K over the dining table. Its sleek, arched design not only provides ample illumination but also serves as a striking focal point, blending modern elegance with functional brilliance. In the heart of the kitchen, the gold Oluce Atollo radiates sophistication, this luminary adds a warm glow to the culinary space, seamlessly integrating with the exquisite Aquarzo aesthetics.