Arches & Apertures Characterise North Perth House
Architect Nic Brunsdon maximised this project’s small budget and site by conceiving a smart system of precast concrete panels that form the home’s framework, while within is a series of expressive and distinct spatial atmospheres
North Perth House by architect Nic Brunsdon is an urban infill project with civic ambitions. Nestled on a tight urban block within three kilometres of Perth’s CBD, the two-storey home is driven by connections and amenity, resulting in a unique architectural response that seizes the site’s full potential.
The clients approached Brunsdon with an interest in Japanese infill architecture and concrete construction, but since their budget ruled out an in-situ concrete build, Brunsdon proposed using precast concrete panels, developing an intuitive strategy around panel numbers, type, size and placement to limit cost and maximise impact.
Two types of concrete panels form the conceptual framework of the home; one for the ground floor running east-west parallel to the street, and one for the first floor running north-south directing views to the city. ‘The four panels on the ground floor support the four on the first floor,’ Brunsdon explains of the simple structural arrangement he designed to slot together with interlocking notches and minor lateral bracing. With no further finishing required, the concrete panels serve as both structure and surface. ‘It’s always been about doing the most with the least,’ the architect says.
Though the resulting plan is prescribed by the lattice arrangement of precast panels, the interior experience is surprisingly diverse. From the unassuming front facade, a pedestrian-scaled archway leads to a double-height entry void. A series of arched openings allows for sightlines through to the far boundaries of the site, creating a sense of spatial generosity and allowing a sequence of spatial atmospheres to unfurl.
Panels are punctuated with sweeping archways, casting apertures between spaces and framing features. This curved geometry softens the otherwise rigid structural arrangement, adding a human scale, while further articulating program uses and spatial thresholds.
Throughout, the arches form a consistent yet shape-shifting element. When not required for a function, the arch is filled in with a timber inlay or insulated translucent polycarbonate sheet that keeps the opening legible but changes its function.
The kitchen, set beyond a grand arch, frames the activity of the kitchen like a theatre’s proscenium arch, with American black walnut joinery receding beyond. Above, a perpendicular archway is lined with walnut library shelving; a celebratory moment where diverse spatial dynamics come together, addressing height, light and material.
‘The constraints actually gave us freedom,’ Brunsdon says. ‘We’ve been able to innovate more with what’s left.’ Indeed, the formal playfulness of the structure doesn’t compromise the quality of experience. Instead, Brunsdon’s considered approach generates expressive, distinct and relaxed spatial atmospheres; a complex interiority that makes a compelling case for small-scale dwelling.
Text / Hayley Curnow
Images / Ben Hosking
