Northcote

Small but mighty, this compact house packs a family-sized punch.

Tucked behind an existing villa on a newly-subdivided section, access for this new build was a little tricky. We began by building the pool, then everything around it. But you’d never know. Seeing the finished result, it feels like it's always been there.

Sitting pretty on an elevated 400m2 section, this 200m2, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house is perfectly contained. Upon arrival, visitors are faced with a facade of white. Seemingly a fortress, it’s secure as well as private. What lies beyond gives way to an oasis of generously breezy spaces.

Wanting a ‘non-maintenance’ house, this build is all about clever use of space and materials. Concrete block on polished concrete floor, the house is clad with brick slip. The use of circle breeze blocks adds texture and shadow, creating a serene and private courtyard around the pool for long, relaxing days in the sun (and a Palm Springs feel).

Cleverly designed by Tim Dorrington of Dorrington Atcheson Architects, spaces feel generous, open and light – yet every centimetre is accounted for. We even created over-sized steps for additional seating, plants and cushions. Interior designer, Shelley Ferguson created a holiday feel in this stunning little home using a calming colour palette of blues, greens and whites. Cedar ceilings, white stone breeze block, rendered brick walls and mosaic tile create an urban sanctuary with a nod to Mid-Century in what is a petite but perfect family home.