Alexander House by Alexander & CO.
Designed by Alexander & CO, Alexander House redefines the workspace, turning the traditional office into an artistic residential environment.
Words: Hande Renshaw | Photography: Anson Smart
The custom pink concrete kitchen bench by Concrete Bespoke weighing half a tonne was craned in through the front door. Photo: Anson Smart.
The monolithic pink concrete kitchen bench was custom made by Concrete Bespoke. Photo: Anson Smart.
A Sarah Nedovic Gaunt ceramic lamp sits in the open plan kitchen space. Photo: Anson Smart.
Set in a Victorian-era terrace home in Sydney’s inner east, Alexander House, designed by Alexander & Co, is a workspace that doesn’t feel like a workspace.
Described as “a home for working in” the project is a departure from the traditional office to a more artistic residential environment that can change and adapt to the evolving needs of the team and their clients.
‘Designed as a safe space for reflection, experimentation and to nurture the creative spirit, Alexander House is our thesis, prototype and a place for our team and community to test out and challenge ideas,’ says Alexander & Co.
There are private exterior spaces and internal environments which vary in material, scale, lighting and volume. Each space allows the team to provide both a true residential showcase experience for their clients and a flexible working environment for those working in the space.
‘Conceived as a design laboratory, Alexander House supports a diversity of uses including working environments for both collaboration, meetings and solo time.’
Careful attention has been given to the ease of flow between inside and out, encouraging the team to have an engagement with the natural elements.
An earthed feel connects the interior spaces, expressed through the use of reclaimed and natural materials.
‘As well as reclaimed timbers, rammed earth bricks from waste materials, a cohesive material palette of concrete, polished plaster, steel, brass and stone accents have all supported our aesthetic vision which fosters a “found” feeling.’
Acting as a prototype for environmental innovation, the building has a built-in end of life plan to re-use, compost or repurpose all materials and strives to reduce its carbon footprint with solar power. When can we move in?!
Lutyens bricks, handcrafted and made of recycled materials by Natural Brick Co, allow sunlight to dance across the surfaces in the living space. Photo: Anson Smart.
The BRDR Krüger Arkade dining chair in the dining space. Photo: Anson Smart.
Alexander House is a balance of social spaces with quiet work zones and intimate domesticity. Photo: Anson Smart.
“We have chosen finishes and materials which are inherently imperfect. ”
‘We’ve chosen finishes and materials which are inherently imperfect.’ Photo: Anson Smart.
Looking down from the loft area, which has a breakout space for internal meetings and sleeping accommodation for Alexander & Co’s interstate team. Photo: Anson Smart.
“Alexander House is a space that champions local craftspeople within our design community to create bespoke pieces.”
Design details in the library. Photo: Anson Smart.
Walnut joinery in the library by Athol Wright of CDF Studio. Photo: Anson Smart.
A seven-metre long pendant by The Lighting Guild is suspended from the skylight void of the concrete stair, connecting all four levels. Photo: Anson Smart.
‘We’ve chosen finishes and materials which are inherently imperfect.’ Photo: Anson Smart.
A seven-metre long pendant by The Lighting Guild is suspended from the skylight void of the concrete stair, connecting all four levels. Photo: Anson Smart.
The three bathrooms, all with toilet and shower, each have very different aesthetic and material directions. Photo: Anson Smart.
“Alexander House is also a prototype for exploring sustainability, carbon sequestration and environmental innovation”
The Hima Series outdoor furniture was made in conjunction with the team at Re. Studio Collective. Photo: Anson Smart.
Alongside a steam shower, Alexander House includes wellness amenities including an outdoor shower, ice bath and pool. Photo: Anson Smart.
The backyard of the Victorian-era terrace. Photo: Anson Smart.
The Knoll Cesca chairs in the warm and homely dining space. Photo: Anson Smart.