KENMORE HOUSE

OAS has completed a number of public schools with FKG, an exceptional partnership that also yielded valued friendships! A regular FKG project manager approached us to design a new residence for him and his family, with Chapman Leijenaar taking the reigns in developing the design with Michael Bailey.

 

The residence is situated on a hillside site that overlooks Mount Coo-tha to the northwest. That aspect presented our greatest challenge: taking in the view while protecting the interiors from western sun and the related heat gain. Two of three blade walls (one along the western boundary and a second running diagonally along the east wing's western side) addresses this challenge, being perforated with manageable picture windows where fully exposed and provided with substantial roof overhangs and screening where fully glazed.

 

Entry is at the upper level, with the second level tucked in underneath as dictated by the substantial gradient. On arrival the residence appears quite modest as a result. The east and west wings straddle the central stair hall, a trapezoidal shaped double volume space that, at first, affords only a narrow glimpse of the view, gradually opening up to an unobstructed view as one descends the stair. The lower ground floor extends to the eastern boundary wall, via extensive sliding doors, into a unique outside kitchen and dining area. Elsewhere the living spaces terraces seamlessly down into the gardens.

 

The materials palette uses neutral colours to achieve a calming atmosphere. Aluminium frames and steelwork is in a darker colour for contrast and punctuation.

Materials were selected to be hardwearing and low maintenance. All exterior claddings are either powder coated or prefinished.