These two thoughtfully planned architecturally designed homes by Urban Habitats are flooded with natural light, strong clean lines and plenty of texture.
Creating a natural sanctuary in an inner-city suburb was the aim of integrated design and build firm Urban Habitats when they purchased an old property in Adelaide’s east in 2019. The existing home was knocked down and two architecturally designed, light-filled residences have since taken its place, breathing new life into a suburb that continues to earn its keep as one of Adelaide’s most sought-after addresses.
In juxtaposition to the original dimly lit home that once sat on the block, the two new homes are filled with natural light, flooding in from purposefully placed full height windows and large-scale sliding doors that lead out to sun-drenched courtyards and balconies.
“This property provided Urban Habitats with a unique opportunity to showcase both the in-house design studio capabilities while also continuing to show the construction team’s highly efficient, detailed and quality focused capabilities,” says Urban Habitats’ Jock Merrigan.
The incorporation of elongated skylights in the corridors, which link the front ends of the homes to the cleverly designed open-plan living spaces at the back, is another addition that further welcomes in natural light. “The expansive skylights provide a light filled void and a space that takes your breath away,” says in-house architect Sarah Stephen.
The well-planned light-filled spaces are a theme throughout, as is the mid-century and Scandinavian style that can be seen in both properties. The palettes in both homes are different yet complimentary, with one favouring a moody Manhattan vibe while the other sticks to its Scandi roots with lashings of white and blonde timbers. “Both residences were purchased while under construction [and] the buyers resonated with our style, aesthetic and aspiration. We worked with them individually to further develop the interior,” says Sarah.
Classic mid-century moments include the custom curved cabinetry (such as the softly curved island bench and the statement fireplace breast in the south residence) and the connection between indoors and out. “We really wanted the external materiality to extend internally, blurring the line between the spaces,” says Sarah. The placement of large-scale windows and doors was paramount to successfully executing this vision – the hallway is a great example of this with a floor-to-ceiling window offering views to a breakout garden at the side of the home.
The team also played with horizontal and vertical lines, an element that provides both functionality, aesthetics and another hit of mid-century. Fixed and operable louvres on the upper-level windows offer privacy and create a linear element that draws the eye up, creating the illusion of space and height. Other notable elements include polished concrete flooring, concealed lifts and custom concealed timber clad garage doors.
But high-end gadgetry aside, the real winner in these two impeccably designed and crafted homes is the feeling of calmness you get when you enter – and that’s due, in large, to the abundance of light-filled spaces. This was no accident, careful planning and consideration went into every corner of these homes and it’s evident. Light, airy, ambient and calming all at once. Good lighting is everything.
