Super Minimal Clarendon Street House

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Clarendon Street House

by Architecture Caisson

AUTHOR

LEO LEI

PHOTOGRAPHER

PETER CLARKE

Clarendon Street House is a minimal residence located in Thornbury, Australia, designed by Architecture Caisson. Instead of expanding the house’s footprint, the focus was shifted towards reimagining a portion of the garden to serve a dual purpose as both an indoor and outdoor space. This was achieved by constructing two parallel structures made of brick and timber, reminiscent of garden walls. These structures are separated by glass panels, effectively merging the interior with the garden surroundings, while the use of polished concrete both inside and out further blurs the lines between the two environments.

Central to this design is a spacious living area flanked by the garden on both sides, providing a serene view and a strong connection to the outdoors. Above this area, a new section houses bedrooms, bathrooms, and additional living spaces designed specifically for the client’s children. Access to this elevated section is exclusive through a spiral steel staircase, located within a double-height void, accentuating its distinctness from the communal areas below. This new addition is strategically set back from the original structure to allow for ample natural light and views of the surrounding garden and courtyard areas.