House 65

A landed home for friends of the studio, built on two materials the clients had already settled on: dark timber panelling and stainless steel. Here the cabinetry does structural work. A tall integrated unit holds the altar while dividing the living area from the entry, so the house no longer gives itself away at the door, and a landing zone opens up on arrival. Beside the courtyard, the dining area became an island counter, a corner to eat at and host friends around, its steel top inlaid with travertine bands. Full height panelling runs the length of the plan, flush concealing the bedroom and toilet doors so the wall reads as one continuous dark surface. Against the pale floor tile and white ceiling, it becomes the backdrop the whole house is set against.