Architecture is not just about creating spaces; it’s about crafting experiences and emotions. In the bustling urban landscape, finding tranquility amidst chaos is a rare feat. Edition Office, an avant-garde architecture studio, achieves this balance masterfully in their Hawthorn House project. This article delves into the intricate details of Hawthorn House, highlighting its unique architectural aspects and how it redefines the relationship between form, space, and the human experience.
Hawthorn House Technical Information
- Architects1-4: Edition Office
- Location: Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia
- Topics: Australian Houses
- Area: 450 m2
- Completion Year: 2019
- Photographs: © Ben Hosking
A defining element of this project is the balance of seemingly contradictory states that coexist within this home. It is at once civic and domestic, deeply enclosed while being intensely open, highly exposed while being effortlessly private, it is heavy yet also surprisingly light. In defiance of its strong formal language, the spatial relationships, material tactility and embodied experiences of the home seek to promote a nurturing sanctuary for a growing family.
– Edition Office Architects
Hawthorn House Photographs
Reimagining Space and Form
Situated in a serene, leafy suburb, Hawthorn House stands as a testament to Edition Office’s ethos of intertwining cultural, social, and technological research. The project, which covers 450 square meters, was completed in 2019 by a team led by architects Kim Bridgland, Aaron Roberts, and Jonathan Brener.
The house is distinctively marked by two large concrete shrouds. These aren’t mere structural elements; they are embodiments of personality and proportion, setting the tone for the entire design. The shrouds serve a dual purpose: they are the structural backbone of the house, and they dictate the spatial dynamics within.
The design’s cornerstone is its transformation of the site into a grand outdoor terrace, a “living theatre.” This concept elevates the landscape to more than just a backdrop; it becomes an integral character in the story of the house. The terrace, with its upward peeling edges, creates a continuous garden vista visible from the living areas. It’s a stage where the drama of daily life unfolds in harmony with nature.
On the ground floor, the living spaces under the concrete shells reveal a surprising lightness and connection to the landscape. However, the first-floor private areas offer a contrasting experience. Here, the context seems denied, with spaces pulled back from the outer shell, opening up to private courtyards brimming with greenery. This interplay of light and shadow, openness and privacy, creates a dynamic yet harmonious living environment.
The material palette of Hawthorn House is a study of restraint and intentionality. The rough-sawn formwork of the concrete walls extends to the fencing, creating a unified textural narrative. This limited material palette, including brass, timber, and concrete, ages with grace, echoing the natural aging of the human body.
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the design. Passive solar principles guide the house’s orientation and structure. The northern façade’s offset glazing allows for winter sun penetration while shielding from the summer heat. The house enjoys natural cooling through cross ventilation and benefits from thermal mass in the walls and floors. Additionally, the rooftop features a solar pool heating system and a significant solar photovoltaic array.
The project is a bold statement in the dialogue of modern architecture, where the lines between inside and outside, public and private, materiality and immateriality are blurred, creating a harmonious symphony of spaces that resonate with the human condition. It is a testament to Edition Office’s vision of re-articulating the relationships between communities and places, making Hawthorn House not just a residence but a landmark in contemporary architectural discourse.
Hawthorn House Image Gallery
About Edition Office
Edition Office, a forward-thinking architecture studio, distinguishes itself through a profound commitment to cultural, social, and technological research, enabling a unique exploration of material expression, form, and spatial practice. Renowned for their experiential design approach, their projects skillfully re-articulate the relationship between communities and their environments, striving to provoke thought and enrich interactions within the public realm. With a versatile portfolio that spans across various typologies and scales—including residential, institutional, commercial, educational, urban design, and interiors—Edition Office stands as a beacon of innovation in the architectural world, continuously challenging and redefining the boundaries between space, user, and community engagement.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Team: Kim Bridgland, Aaron Roberts, and Jonathan Brener
- Construction: Flux Construction
- Engineering: Farrar D
- Landscape: Eckersley Garden Architecture
