Glen Iris House is located on the outskirts of Melbourne, giving one a feeling that is both familiar and unfamiliar. Pandolfini Architects created this villa, which converses with neighbors in substance, but subverts the use of these same materials to create a new family suburban living experience. Likewise, the building's front street facade abstracts the style of traditional houses, different from the surrounding sloped roof dwellings.

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Behind the elevation, three pavilions are built along the rectangular site, creating a series of public and private spaces. In the center, a barn-like structure forms the main living space. On either side of this central space is the private area, in front is the bedroom and the back is the garage, inside which are stored the owner's favorite cars. The front and back pavilions use the same material palette.

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For Pandolfini Architects, the project provides an opportunity to explore the use of materials. “While the combination of strong, simple forms is an ongoing theme of our work, we often combine it with a streamlined palette of materials,” explains Dominic Pandolfini. Here, however, he points out, “We're really pushing matter. “As part of this, we got a very concise set of reference images, including many ancient ruins and old industrial buildings. These form the basis of project importance and all bare structures. Inside, lime laminate flooring, spot-lined ceilings and American oak fine woodwork soften the roughness of the concrete, creating a warm environment. The rhythm of concrete provides a sense of order in the space, and a sculptural fireplace made of hard plaster is the central focus of the living area. Likewise, the round dining table seems to pierce the plane, and the glass curves along it, allowing for built-in seating. The curved staircase is illuminated by the skylight above, emphasizing the transition between floors. These interesting moments offer a sense of beauty balanced with the industrial nature of concrete.

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In appearance, Pandolfini Architects uses materials in different ways. Refer to the roofs of neighboring houses on the street, and ceramic bricks wrap around the upper level of the house. “Each brick is laid vertically and rotated 45 degrees to form a jagged surface,” Dominic explains. This vibrant surface is further activated by the dancing shadows of the dappled light of large green trees. A pattern of broken bricks, a unique arched opening reveals an inner courtyard and offers some hints about something beyond the facade. This brick wall also provides a cushion for the bedroom, keeping it free from the effects of the street and western sun.

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