Architecture Works' latest residential project, Gallery House, is located in Melbourne's south-east, spreading out over two blocks in a contemporary single-storey home. The architecture studio took an intuitive and modest approach to create an exquisite family home that prioritized outdoor Spaces for cooking, entertaining and relaxing. While the typical design approach for a large two-block block in Melbourne is two separate houses, architectural engineering Director Steven Kyzintas took a different route, creating a low-lying building on a long horizontal plan. The architects made way for the 'gallery' to create openings through a 'photo frame' at the focal point of the garden, embracing the lush natural setting. Landscape architect Sinatra Murphy has created a three-dimensional garden layered with the locals.

Steven Kyzintas says the design of the gallery is essentially simple: create a single-storey home that blurs the line between inside and outside. The family home is set on a single level with a series of cleverly integrated courtyards that allow each living space and bedroom to perfectly capture the views of the outdoors. These large areas of glass flood the interior with natural light to foster a relaxed interior atmosphere that invites the outside world inside.

Charred wood, rendered cement, natural stone and glass form the essence of this home, along with custom-designed furniture and statement lighting. Because the horizontal plan of the house is larger than the vertical plan, the architects consciously used a restrained and complex material palette to help strengthen its form. The choice of timeless materials is strong enough to withstand family life while providing a gallery-like backdrop for the client's growing art collection.

While a large house needs to have enough space to accommodate family gatherings, it also needs to consider creating privacy for the owners. The master suite offers a serene bathing experience, immersing one in a sculpture garden that evokes a sense of serenity akin to being somewhere far from home.