Hawthorn East

Designed and built for a young professional couple, this Hawthorn East residence brings together design restraint, warm materiality and a thoughtful approach to how a home can evolve over time.

From its entry courtyard to the treetop views from the upper-level master suite, every major design decision serves a purpose. The result is a contemporary home that balances open, connected living with moments of privacy and retreat.

The experience begins well before stepping through the front door. Arrival unfolds as a sequence of layered spaces, drawing visitors gradually away from the street. Beyond the front gate, you pass through an intimate entry courtyard, with the front door set deep within the site. Each threshold adds a sense of discovery, allowing the pace of arrival to slow and the outside world to recede before stepping inside.

Concrete render establishes a strong visual identity, while curved forms soften the home's geometry and introduce a sense of movement throughout. The restrained palette of materials and finishes creates a design that feels contemporary without being driven by passing trends.

At the heart of the home, a sunken lounge with polished concrete flooring creates an inviting place to gather. Warm, textural interiors balance the solidity of the concrete, while generous glazing brings natural light deep into the living spaces.

Stacker doors open the main living area to the alfresco, creating an easy connection between indoors and out. Large windows frame views of the garden, keeping the landscape present throughout the day.

While the main living spaces encourage connection, other areas have been deliberately separated to support different activities. A multipurpose room sits off the entry, while a semi-detached studio at the front of the property provides a dedicated space away from the main home. Designed initially as a gym, its position allows it to adapt equally well as a home office, creative studio or flexible workspace.

Planning for the future was central to the brief. The upper-level master suite offers a private retreat, with views extending across the surrounding treetops towards Melbourne's city skyline.

A second master suite on the ground floor provides flexibility for multigenerational living, allowing the home to accommodate changing family needs without compromising the comfort or independence of its occupants.

This forward-thinking approach extends beyond the floor plan. From the placement of windows and the orientation of living spaces to the separation of private and shared areas, the design responds to the couple's lifestyle today while leaving room for what comes next.

The result is a home defined not simply by how it looks, but by the thought behind how it lives. Enduring materials, purposeful spaces and a restrained design language give this Hawthorn East residence the freedom to evolve with the people who call it home.