State of Kin crafts an earthy residence as a material fusion of grit and gloss

In the Western Australian suburb of Subiaco in Perth, Australia, the past isn't just a distant memory but a rhythm coursing through its streets, shadowing its cottages and shaping its hybrid future. The characterful neighbourhood’s architectural tapestry is a vibrant bricolage of heritage, culture and innovation. From its early days as the homeland of the Noongar people, through to the establishment of the Benedictine monastery ‘New Subiaco’ in 1851, the area has evolved into a suburb celebrated for its eclectic architecture and endearing cottages.

Among the heritage-listed buildings lining the storied streets of Subiaco, the Proclamation House emerges as a contemporary interpretation of the area’s archetypal homes and architectural style. Designed by Australian architecture and design practice State of Kin, this multi-generational family home thoughtfully responds to its varied local context. In that, it mirrors the relative idiosyncrasy of the architecture surrounding it, producing a mass and facia of nearly equal eccentricity. While visually it dwells upon a tactile material contrast to highlight that, its spatial proportions reflect a much more open and congruous outlook.

The oblique façade design of the residential building belies the architectural depth within, where skewed surfaces and voluminous spaces unfold. “Our design echoes the proportions, volumes and setbacks of the site’s former dwelling and the character cottage vernacular typical of the area, finding new expression in a series of abstracted, sweeping and angular planes,” the Australian architects proclaim. Complementing the euphonic sloping forms, futuristic aluminium awnings reminiscent of bullnose verandahs strike a riveting balance between tradition and contemporaneity. On the outside, meticulous landscaping peppered with native vegetation, serves as both homage and harbinger to the region’s history and evolving identity.

With the client’s brief calling for “an immersive, light-filled space with areas for the family to entertain, come together and find respite, elevating their everyday living rituals,” the residential design unfurls into a grotto-like sanctuary of light and space. The ground floor is accessed through a verdant, sunken garden that connects to the living and dining spaces, inviting natural light and ventilation. These communal spaces with the central open kitchen create privacy buffers between the two bedrooms. Operable glazed doors merge the indoors and the outdoors, offering a tactile as well as visual engagement with the landscape design. Meanwhile, a mezzanine floor perched atop the main living areas serves as a study-cum-guest zone providing privacy in tandem with interconnectedness. The primary suite at the rear end offers a cavernous retreat wherein intimate composure meets perceived architectural grandeur.

The olive-toned hemp render saturates the exterior and interior surfaces, fostering an immersive connection to the environment. Its earthy hues are animated by shifting light, infusing the home with a living, breathing quality. At the same time, brushed stainless steel accents, natural stone and timber in warm walnuts or blackened oiled finishes layer warmth and texture over the private residence’s minimalist carapace.

The residential architecture advocates sustainability and eco-conscious living by integrating hempcrete as a sustainable design alternative to concrete. The material offers thermal regulation, manages room temperature and humidity and reduces energy consumption while its hypoallergenic, low-VOC properties ensure a healthier indoor environment.

A curated mix of historic and modern furniture designs, including locally crafted custom items, imbues the interiors with depth and character. Iconic works such as Dutch architect and furniture designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld’s historic Red and Blue Chair stand as a bridge between the past and the present, while a sprawling four-metre artwork by local artist Elle Campbell anchors the dining area with bold vibrancy. Layered with artisanal craftsmanship from bespoke renderings of the sculptural kitchen island to considerate lighting and artwork, each element is designed to age gracefully, adding to the home’s enduring elegance.

Proclamation House is an urban sculpture that reckons Subiaco’s heritage while touting a vision for its architectural evolution. “Its innovative design balances sensitivity to context with the needs of its occupants, creating a home that will remain relevant for decades to come,” the design team conveys in an official statement.