Concrete synergy: a modern house where Brazil meets Australia

This Melbourne home, in the city's suburban Hampton neighbourhood, is the brainchild of Australian practice Matt Gibson Architecture + Design.

Aiming to create a strong relationship between indoors and outdoors living, taking his cue from the city's mild climate, Gibson designed the Concrete House as a sequence of spaces that balance efficiency and comfort, using 20th century references and modern details.

The client's brief outlined a home that could act both as space for entertainment and a sanctuary; the architect responded by drawing inspiration from Brazilian modernism, a strand of mid-century Modern that works heavily with local, warm climate and employs calming, bright and airy spaces, matched by sweeping clean lines and striking interiors.

The architect and his team kept common areas clean and generous, using rich brown timber and concrete. Large openings bring sunlight deep into the house. On the top level, the concrete structure frames a strip opening that allows long views, acting as a kind of 'periscope' for the house.

The program spans three levels: all the common and entertainment areas, as well as the master bedroom, are located on the ground floor. The house's first floor plays host to three further bedrooms and a more private sitting room for the owners. A car park is placed in the basement.

INFORMATION
For more information on Matt Gibson visit the architect’s website