Contrast and connection

DESKTOP

MOBILE

Designed by: Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper Architects

Photography by: Mark Scowen

Our brief called for a home that would be expressive, contemporary and enduring.

Essentially, the owners sought a place with strong connections to light and outlook, but also one that oﬀerred privacy, comfort and spaces that could shift between vibrant social atmospheres and quiet retreat.

The near-coastal site provided a ﬂat and open setting, encouraging a design that establishes presence through form and material.

The architectural response is deﬁned by contrast and an interplay between horizontal and vertical planes.

Wood and brick cladding both feature with teh fence continiung the use of brick/ — The ground plane shields the house from the street.

A grounded masonry base oﬀers permanence and privacy at street level while a timber clad upper level expresses a lighter, more reﬁned element above.

This relationship between solidity and openness became a key design driver, giving the home clarity and balance.

Arrival at the entrance to the home was designed as a journey of transition.

The ground plane shields the house from the street, yet as one moves through the entry sequence, the home gradually reveals its openness.

This is expressed through interiors ﬁlled with natural light, framed outlooks and connections to the outdoors.

This technique of spacial layering turns a suburban site into a rich and engaging experience.

Front door and entry hall. — Arrival at the entrance to the home was designed as a journey of transition.

The home’s interiors respond directly to the owner’s brief.

The ground ﬂoor is the social heart of the home, with open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas designed for interaction.

These spaces also ﬂow seamlessly to outdoor living zones, making the house equally suitable for family life and larger gatherings.

In contrast, the upper levels provide calm and privacy.

Bedrooms and an oﬃce are elevated, beneﬁtting from outlooks and natural light.

The warmth of wood is celebrated throughout the home – from the exterior cladding to the dining table to the kitchen's wood veneer upper cabinet face and the living area wood flooring — The warmth of wood is celebrated throughout the home – from the exterior cladding to the dining table to the kitchen’s upper cabinet face and the living area flooring.

The home combines creativity with functionality – responding directly to the owners’ needs.

Spatial layering, contrasting materials and a curated sequence create an architecture that is expressive and practical.

Ground floor al fresco living space with wood deck — Ground floor al fresco living space.

Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com

Credit List

Architect Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper Architects	Builder Grant Rich, Rizzo Construction
Kitchen designer Michael Cooper Architects	Interior designer Michael Cooper Architects
Cladding Weathergroove Woodsman by Weathertex, 150mm vertical; bricks from The Brickery; Hermpac vertical & horizontal cladding	Roof Colorsteel Maxx Metalcraft
Window/door joinery Vantage Residential Suite, double glazed	Main floor living areas Natural Oak Flooring
Bedroom flooring Belgotex	Bathroom tiles Tile Depot
Paint Resene Black White; Resene Element	Feature lighting Lighting Direct
Paint Resene Black White; Resene Element	Awards Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended