A light and intimate home

Continuing our research working with constrained sites, this micro dwelling in the inner-city suburb of Carlton tested the notions of size and liveability.

e-5ft Dwelling - Carlton Melbourne

22sqm

Visualisation and Photography: Tectonic Design

The Bookend

The compact site is enclosed by warehouses on 3 sides and a laneway on the forth with access to natural light and views limited. Following spatial analysis we developed a functional footprint measuring just 1.5m wide occupying two thirds of the site allowing for a full length courtyard garden down one side.

"The intimate proportions create a home that is human and tactile."

With the minimal proportions, the necessary functions and comforts of the home were carefully curated across two levels. Street level contains the living, dining, laundry and kitchen functions while a bedroom and bathroom complete the first floor.

Blurring the line

With the dwelling occupying a footprint of approximately 12sqm, the remaining space was dedicated to a garden running the full length of the site. The indoor and outdoor spaces where split along the longest length of the site to allow for the maximum surface area of glazing possible to the home. Providing full height unobstructed exposure to the garden and allowing a majority of the glazing surface area to be openable, blurs the line between interior and exterior making the garden an extension of the living space.

"The blurred boundaries of the architectural space and the garden create the sense of additional space to the interior."

 With the full height retractable glazing to all habitable spaces of the home, these spaces are generously bathed in light regardless of the deep narrow nature of the courtyard garden. While the stairwell and bathroom are serviced via skylights providing light and views to the sky.

Small doesn't mean compromise

As part of our ongoing research it was imperative that we do not compromise the liveability of the space while conscious of its compact proportions. All rooms and circulation spaces align with standard building code requirements and re-interprets the notions of what a home needs to be.

Materials were carefully selected to ensure they compliment the spaces and add lightness and intimacy. The palate was limited to two primary finishes in plywood and concrete and one secondary feature colour of black. This minimal selection of materials maximises the sense of space and with the natural tones of the primary finishes bathes the space in a sense of calm.