GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA
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Car-lover Taras Wolf designed the large multifunctional space at the back of the house to accommodate his 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, which he meticulously restored over two-and-a-half years
From the street, the external architecture has a commanding presence. A strong concrete shell, likened to that of a hermit crab, encases the building Taras and Rebecca have bought quality furniture over the years, which they’ve repaired as needed and allowed products to “last their natural life”, which meant no new furniture was needed for the home. It has infused the place with a friendly feel. Upstairs, a rumpus retreat overlooks the void. The master bedroom to the front of the house has a generous walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom that opens onto a large balcony. Along the passage, two uniquely-shaped rooms for the children each have an ensuite and share a private outdoor court with a feature Corten steel wall. Inviting exploration up another flight of stairs is a light-filled studio and a music room that opens to another sublime outdoor space. It’s a house that has been designed for playful pursuits, with each space providing a stage for the children. Easy maintenance, timeless appeal and a colour palette reminiscent of tropical South East Asia informed the home’s material selection, which includes cement render, polished concrete, kiln-dried merbau battens and red ironbark decking. The creative application of materials adds another layer of interest. Flooring, for example, gets lighter and softer on the journey through the house, beginning with dense concrete and dark-stained American oak and transitioning to lighter timbers and eventually cork in the attic. While this home has been customised for the Wolf family, it’s easy to imagine yourself living in this space. Taras, who also lectures at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Architecture, hopes that more people will see the benefit of investing in tailor-made design to diversify architecture in the suburbs. The challenge for architects, however, is to make sure that good design aligns with client budgets.