The kitchen is located underneath the undulating brown roof, constructed in free-form plywood. Materiality is minimal, with a Nemo Lampe de Marseille wall light as a striking object. The space also features a Bosch oven, Fisher & Paykel fridge-freezer and ZETR light switches.
Defying the constraints of a narrow, inner-city plot, this contemporary home lifts skyward with razor-sharp precision.
Working with the epitome of a long and skinny plot – measuring 22 metres by 4.6 metres (72 by 15 feet) – the architect, LLDS, responded vertically to this project to maximise the usable space.
Northcote House, a compact tower, exemplifies precision through advanced technologies, redefining what a small urban home can be. For the architect, who also resides here, the design is deeply personal. It reflects a lifestyle that values both privacy and connection, offering a series of pocket-gathering spaces that cater to introversion while also contributing to the urban fabric of the city.
Custom details push the boundaries of the architecture on Northcote House, with formed concrete and the plywood roof structure using robotic technology to ensure precision.
Working with an east-west orientation, it was integral to find solutions to bring light deep into the interior. A sculpted, curving brown roof crests above the surrounding flat rooflines, with circular light shafts delivering daylight to the main living spaces.
The brown roof not only supports local ecology but also provides a private outdoor area for the residents. It also creates a cocoon-like interior for the kitchen and dining room positioned beneath this roof. Fabricated in cross-bracing timber, the roof scoops up into a parabolic canopy at the front entrance, a feat made possible using advanced engineering techniques. The entrance balcony, with its nod to the Japanese concept of Engawa, offers a semi-public space that connects the home to the surrounding community, providing a subtle yet effective form of surveillance over the adjacent laneway and car park. Another tactic used to bring in natural light and greenery is the custom-designed façade trellis, giving privacy and openness.
East and west wings divide the length of the house, which is then punctuated by a central void. From the ground floor, spiraling up is a centre staircase wrapped with organic, moulded timber. The ground floor is divided around a central circular snug, a space that is both intimate and inviting. This snug serves as a focal point, with the void bringing natural light and ventilation deep into the interior. The surrounding areas, including the east and west bedrooms, are designed with transitional spaces that double as utility zones and ensuites, ensuring that every inch of the house is utilised.
One of the most striking aspects of Northcote House is how it reimagines circulation and flow within a constrained space. Instead of relying on traditional corridors, the design incorporates three separate staircases to encourage a fluid, circular movement throughout the home.
At the centre of the long and narrow house is a snug, surrounded by a sculpted stair. This central zone demarcates the east and west wings, with light coming through cylinders in the roof.
The precision and care in construction are evident throughout the Northcote House. Locally sourced materials were chosen for their natural texture, longevity, and ability to weather gracefully over time. Beneath the organic forms lies advanced construction technology, enabling intricate details like the textured concrete interior and free-form plywood roof to be executed with a precision that traditional methods would struggle to achieve.
Northcote House is a celebration of what can be achieved when advanced technology meets thoughtful, human-centred design.
A custom-designed trellis system lines the front and rear, allowing plant life to eventually snake its way up and bring an element of nature within view.
To counteract the narrowness of the site, the architects went vertical, where playful spiral stairs and openings make for an entirely unique home.
From the street, the house is open, drawing guests up the stairs to the first floor. The sweeping timber roof offers a level of protection, inspired by Japanese Engawa.
