yinjispace

INTERIOR
Ali Kaddour Architects
PHOTOGRAPHY
Timothy Kaye
EDITOR
Gina
Collection

Located in proximity to Glenn Murcutt’s Australian Islamic Centre in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Rosshire is a family residence conceived as a study in restraint and intention and an emphasis on clarity and contextual sensitivity,For Ali Kaddour Architects, based in Newport, the design brief was driven not by the need for a bold architectural statement, but by the intention to create a space that responds thoughtfully to the client's deeply embedded values—rooted in faith, family, and community.

The home is capable of seamlessly transitioning between intimate, private spaces and more expansive, social areas. Through a collaborative approach with builder Zeid Projects, the goal was to achieve a spatial configuration that could effortlessly accommodate both daily functions and larger, more formal gatherings. Rosshire achieves a subtle equilibrium between the domains of faith and family, integrating areas for reflection and prayer within a modern, fluid layout that encourages both privacy and connection.

The trust established between Ali Kaddour Architects, Zeid Projects and their clients has been foundational to the firm’s reputation for nuanced and contextually attuned design. Whether addressing residential or commercial typologies, the team embraces a philosophy where creativity remains the most powerful tool, irrespective of financial constraints or project limitations. Rosshire reflects this ethos in its restrained yet expressive approach to design.With respect to the client’s Arab-Muslim heritage, Rosshire embeds cultural references within its layout, ensuring that spaces for contemplation and ritual are organically integrated within an adaptable, contemporary framework.

Light serves as a central element in the design, drawing from the long-standing Religious architectural tradition where it is symbolic of the divine. At Rosshire, this tradition is reinterpreted through a strategic arrangement of skylights and openings. Natural light is invited deep into the interior, filling circulation spaces and gradually shifting across surfaces throughout the day. Light filters through carefully considered apertures and details, evoking moments of reverence and contemplation. The interplay of light and shadow establishes a dynamic rhythm, anchoring the spatial experience and imbuing the home with a tranquil, meditative ambiance.

Spatial continuity is a key design strategy, with each room flowing organically into the next. Rooms are deliberately designed for specific functions but retain a level of flexibility that allows the spaces to adapt to changing needs. Quiet zones for individual reflection coexist alongside expansive, communal living areas. Large sliding doors further enhance this flexibility, offering the opportunity to close off public spaces when desired, thereby allowing moments of privacy in a bustling household.

From the street, Rosshire presents as both solid and discreet, with a restrained architectural language that communicates a sense of scale and proportion without resorting to theatrical gestures. The concealed entry, leading to the guest suite and formal lounge, is an intentional design move—guiding visitors to the main entrance with a sense of anticipation and deliberate welcome. Internally, the material palette is defined by simplicity and longevity, with finishes chosen for their tactile qualities and enduring appeal. Colour is used strategically to infuse warmth into the shared spaces, while lighting is applied with precision to highlight key areas and create softer, ambient moments. The deep green tones were selected for their calming effect, creating a tranquil backdrop for one of the home’s signature features: a suspended net platform and reading nook, designed to encourage pause and retreat.

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