Evelyn Road Residence
Claremont
A home designed for the best years of life, with a block in the western suburbs, a courtyard under the WA sun, and a shower under the stars.
The owners of this beautiful Claremont lot were building for their future. Leaving behind their two-storey family home, they were looking for a new home that would allow them ‘age in place’ in comfort, without restrictions on their enjoyment of their home or how they moved around it.
Our sustainable design makes use of the block’s perfect orientation, with the home wrapped around a spacious north-facing courtyard. Access and space were crucial at every step of the process. The result is a single storey dwelling – fully wheelchair accessible – which utilises the whole block in a series of indoor and outdoor spaces. In a nod to one of the owners’ Chinese heritage, we designed a series of patterned steel screens, which update the traditional Federation-style verandah and provide a soft transition from inside to outside. A combination of natural and built materials, including veneered Australian Blackbutt cabinetry, stone surfaces and powder-coated charcoal steel, gives the home a clean, timeless feel.
Spaces for the family were important, with a compact swimming pool and lawn areas with space to play for the grandchildren. But the design also prioritises the sense of peace and the private, romantic touches the owners wanted from a home which was distinctly ‘theirs’. The combination of solid surfaces with glass and screening gives a sense of spaciousness without compromising their privacy. Outdoor showers – one near the pool and one with private ensuite access – allow them to shower under the stars. A purpose-built study will ease the transition when the owners decide to start working from home. And a final personal touch greets visitors at the front gate, which is designed around the owners’ initials – the perfect welcoming statement to a truly unique home.