Silhouette Hytte House by FIGR Architecture
Using the framework of a family home in the quiet Melbourne suburb of Elwood, FIGR Architecture invite retreat aesthetics that brings together sustainable and dynamic design.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Tom Blachford
Photo: Tom Blachford
Photo: Tom Blachford
Tasked with renovating a suburban home, FIGR Architecture Studios used the ‘Silhouette’ of the former building on the narrow 210m2 and 34.4m long by 6.1m wide block. What unfolded was a carefully considered design response to the clients brief.
The young couple with a baby on the way turned to FIGR to build their family home. “The brief asked for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with open plan living, dining, kitchen and study that needed to be practical, contemporary and complimentary within its existing context,” share the architects.
A minimal framework unfolds that is neither fussy nor decorative, yet not without drama. The pitched roof forms an ‘extruding envelope’ that allows light to stream into the home while the profile increases volume within the internal spaces. A geometric exploration continues with a ‘box-like’ room that extends the side of the building, creating an extra dining room that still engages the functional open plan kitchen and living.
The joinery from the kitchen continues through the living, offering continuity of place, while a palette of whites, greys and timbers create an open, inviting room. Maximising space, an added mezzanine above the kitchen provides a discrete hideaway that doesn’t compromise on volume.
“Where possible, we have used locally sourced materials such as the radial sawn ship lapped timber cladding that is used both internally and externally within the project.”
Photo: Tom Blachford
Locally sourced ship lapped cladding features on the exterior of the home, carrying through into the interior, while contrasting the black standing seam metal cladding provides a strong aesthetic point of difference that reveals careful design decisions.
As seen as a familiar theme in FIGR’s projects, the interiors are in constant negotiation with the garden, adding a sustainable edge. Existing trees dominated the design that today provide a lush retreat-vibe to the rear of the home — complete with recycled bricks from the old shed for the new backyard paving. While large folding timber doors — allowing for ventilation, natural light and thermal heating — connect the living room with the yard.
Almost at the pinnacle of resort aesthetics (alongside an entirely timber wall, floor, and ceiling dining area) is the luxury bathroom with terrazzo tiles and timber. The bath takes the best spot in front of the large window and views out to a mini tropical garden.
The Silhouette Hytte House is a home that does both — offering a welcoming family retreat and revealing FIGR keen eye for sustainable and dynamic design.
Photo: Tom Blachford
Photo: Tom Blachford
