"Every project is an opportunity to blend functionality with unique aesthetic appeal, ensuring our designs not only accommodate but enhance the way people live." - Rohan Appel from ADDARC

This month we spoke to Rohan from ADDARC architecture about the magnificent home they have designed for their St Kilda clients, where the interplay of robust materials and subtle design elements come together to create a building that's both enduring and inviting.

ADDARC, known for their keen sense of place and for “offering practical layouts which provide a sense of individuality and exploration of materiality and texture,” has carved a niche in designing multi-residential and bespoke single dwellings that are as practical as they are visually compelling. "Our approach is to produce contemporary, refined, and timeless architecture," Rohan explains. With St Kilda Residence, the firm has once again demonstrated its prowess in crafting spaces that resonate with the occupants' lifestyle and values.

The client's brief was clear yet challenging: to construct a quality-centric home that supports sustainability and aging in place, with enough flexibility for future modifications. "It was essential to build only what was necessary, ensuring the home remained adaptable without being wasteful," Rohan notes. This philosophy guided every decision, from spatial planning to material selection, emphasising the home's long-term livability.

Drawing inspiration from a desire for permanence, the design integrates earthy materials, tones, and textures, setting a distinct mood that's grounded yet airy. "The use of rammed earth as a central element lends the structure an organic feel, with its natural imperfections celebrated through the interplay of light and shadows," says Rohan. This choice not only anchors the home's aesthetic but also enhances its integration with the surrounding environment, making it seem as though it's carved directly from the earth.

Window furnishings were another critical aspect of the design. Working closely with the Lovelight team ADDARC carefully selected products to complement both the architectural and interior themes. "Our clients trusted us to make decisions that would align with the overall vision of the home," Rohan mentions. Automation and integrated design played significant roles in enhancing the functionality of these choices, with Lovelight’s operable venetians on the exterior adding a layer of texture and detail to the facade, and internal treatments like roller blinds and curtains adding softness and texture to the living spaces.

"Externally, custom-coloured operable venetians enable the occupants to manage light, privacy, and thermal gain effectively. Internally, the combination of roller blinds and curtains in the master bedroom introduces an element of softness, essential for balancing the harder architectural materials used throughout the home," Rohan describes.

When asked about his favourite feature, Rohan explains how he feels the rammed earth walls exemplify the project's core design philosophy. "These walls blur the lines between the interior and the exterior, extending the living space into the landscape." This seamless integration is further accentuated by the thoughtful placement and styling of Lovelight window furnishings, which ensure privacy while maintaining a connection with the outside world.

Looking ahead, Rohan sees a bright future for architectural design, especially in the context of soft furnishings. "We are exploring more adventurous colour palettes and creating alignments that tie the curtains back to other design elements like joinery and skirting," he predicts. This trend signifies a shift towards treating soft furnishings as integral components of the design process, rather than mere afterthoughts.

Lovelight continues to collaborate closely with architects and builders to realise visions that marry robust materials with soft accents, creating environments that are not just

functionally habitable but heartwarming and homely. Whether through the strategic use of window dressings or the integration of innovative motorised features, Lovelight remains committed to bringing these finely balanced designs to fruition, ensuring each home is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Architect - ADDARC
Photography - Timothy Kaye