Holbrook house is a contemporary family home that explores the requirements of contemporary builds within a lens of appreciation for early 20th century design. By weaving experiences and memories into a space befitting for a growing family, Holbrook House investigates sculptural joinery, contrasting finishes, and celebrated furniture design.

Perera wanted to design a space that explored young modern family life, but also embraced a softness that can be devoid in contemporary construction. Taking inspiration from the formalism of the art deco period, with their use of deep greens, blues and stones (and at times penchant for excess), Perera sought to add a new depth to the homes’ joinery and finishes. 

The abundance of natural light called for an enrichment of the space with deep timbers, aged brass, varying stones, minerality, and parquetry flooring. The verticality of the architecture (basement through to third story terrace garden), meant that flow and circulation was an important consideration. Zoning key spaces was established through lighting and textured finishes.

The strategy for the joinery was to design it almost as furniture pieces, instead of simple being vehicles to store and conceal. Treating joinery and storage as individual pieces of design allowed Perera to parlay the art deco gestures into a contemporary context befitting for everyday life with details that are unexpected and sculptural. Subtle layering of different stone combinations features throughout, refining the open plan living and kitchen and anchoring the space within a soft tonality.