Michiel Gerber was engaged as both architect and builder, tasked with creating a new freestanding residence on the site of a dilapidated asbestos house in Lilyfield. One of his main goals was to blend the new home into the neighborhood’s ambiance, characterised by predominantly single-storey weatherboard cottages, while taking advantage of its location opposite a lush park with mature trees and open space. The location inspired one of the house’s key design elements – huge, timber-framed box windows that take advantage of the park views while offering ample space to sit and enjoy them.
The house presents what appears to be a modest single-story facade, while cleverly concealing a two-storey layout. This not only provides more opportunities to take in the scenic park views, but also allows for expanded living space and airy, light-filled, double-height areas at the front of the house.
Light also floods into the home from above with a custom skylight that blends into the steeped corrugated roof. The interplay of light within the house takes on many forms as you move through its spaces. In the upper rear section of the house, the master bedroom and ensuite are positioned behind horizontal louvred windows, with a portion of them externally layered with striking vertical orange blades. This arrangement results in a constantly shifting play of light and shade within these rooms. Other external features such as the bespoke shingles on the exposed side of the house add to the uniqueness and charm.
Inside the home, white timber cladding echoes the exterior weatherboard look, providing plenty of space for the owner’s art collection while maintaining a warm, timeless feel. Understated, high quality fixtures and finishes reinforce the elegant yet humble character of the house.
With its picture-perfect views, oversized windows and open spaces, White House allows light and breeze to drift through it, bringing the outside in. There are so many interesting, unexpected and bespoke features to enjoy and yet the house still feels understated and humble. A sanctuary within the inner-city, this house is now a much loved home befitting a self-confessed ‘country girl’.
