A Concrete House Is Softened by an Airy Internal Courtyard, Complete With an Olive Grove

When architect Sarah Henry, cofounder of Australian design firm studiofour, decided to build a house for her young family, she brought clear goals to her team: she wanted the home to be private, family-oriented, unpretentious, health-focused, and sustainable.   

With expertise in architecture, interiors, landscape, art, and fashion design, the studiofour staff conceived a holistic plan for the home, and then took inspiration from a variety of sources. The first was the surrounding neighborhood, Beaumaris, which prides itself on its classic, midcentury modern homes. Embracing the style, studiofour began the project with simple architectural lines and the primacy of an integrated landscape. 

Next, the team allowed the natural slope of the land to lead. They cut into the front half of the lot, so that from the exterior, the home has a bunker-like appearance, heavy and low, all concrete and gray-washed surfaces. Narrow front steps lead down to the door, half-hidden in shadow, creating a sense of secrecy and privacy, and once inside, of safety and belonging.

 "Turning our back away from the immediate surrounds enabled us to focus on creating a haven and sanctuary for our family," says Sarah.