The designers refer to the house as “inward looking” and identify
this as part of their design ethos. Their interest lies in the internal,
private experience of the space rather than in a heroic public display.
Externally, the new extension, which is only visible in the side
laneway, is discreet and unadorned.
As a consequence of excluding a backyard from the plan, the
living space forms an impressive volume. The house hides behind
an unassuming heritage facade and the cavernous space behind it is
revealed the moment you open the front door. At the termination of a
narrow corridor, the space unfolds into a tall, expansive volume. The
transition between old and new is accentuated by an intentionally
narrow threshold.
As you step into the new addition, the restrained palette of
blockwork, spotted gum and marble is immediately striking. The
grey, stack-bonded blockwork acts as an austere backdrop to the
house. Blocks envelop the entire internal space. The blockwork
is softened by the gentle light that washes through the clerestory
window, drawing out the subtle variations in colour. The blockwork
backdrop brings the texture, depth and beauty of the stone and
marble to the fore.
The designers have followed the geometric order established by
themoduleoftheblockinotherformsandmaterialsthroughoutthe
space. This attention to the grid is meticulous – any interruptions
at junctions are eliminated through careful detailing. There is no
skirtingorcornice,theelectricswitchplateslockintothegridand
the horizontal joints in the joinery align with it. A 2,800-millimetre-
high datum traces around the space as the primary horizontal line,
defining the heights of glazing panels, joinery and doors.
Thedesigners’interestinmodularityisalsoreflectedinthe
plansoftheensuiteandbathroom,whichareidenticalexceptfor
theexclusionofthebathinone.Theplanandjoineryarethesame,
an open vanity is located beside a courtyard and the shower and
toilet are in a separate enclosed room. The vanity is visible from
boththemainkitchenandthemainbedroomtopiquecuriosity.
The visible vanity from the main living space defies convention,
andagainexhibitsthepractice’sinterestinquestioningrun-of-the-
mill planning.
ThePrahranHousemarksastrongandconfidentbeginning
for Ritz and Ghougassian. While still establishing themselves on
the design scene, this design duo’s handling of materials, attention
todetailandapproachtospatialplanningarebeingpursuedwith
great success.05 Thestrikingpaletteof
blockwork, spotted gum
and marble is carried
through the house.06 Space is loosely
definedbyaseriesof
perpendicular, heavy-set
blockwork walls.03 The extension is
externally discreet,
with a heritage
facade hiding the
dramatic interiors.
04 Gentle light washes
through a clerestory
window, drawing out
variations in colour.05 06