Maree House is a home for a local doctor and her family in Yarraville. The goal was to create characterful spaces with different zones and atmospheres, whilst maintaining flow. The client bought the long block because of its potential to accommodate a lap pool. Being an avid swimmer, it was important for the pool to be functionally accessible for daily swims, as well as a visual feature. An important part of the brief was for each room to have large windows with a garden view. Backyard, courtyards, and balconies ensure there is always a connection outside.
© Tatjana Plitt
The exterior was designed to fit the streetscape. White brick and painted battens give texture to the façade. The entry is lined with timber for warmth, with a pop of blue for the door. Color and texture were important for interiors as an antidote to beige rooms. The front lounge is dark and moody, which contrasts with the bright and lofty library. Pops of pink are carried through in the spiral staircase, fixtures, and joinery.
© Tatjana Plitt
The exterior palette is brought indoors; spotted gum cladding, crazy paving, and terrazzo appear inside and out. White brick continues from the pool to the dining area, so the wall appears continuous. Curves create flow and soften edges, and inform details such as steps, joinery, and stone island bench.
© Tatjana Plitt
The home is zoned with central circulation, ‘tidy’ living areas, and ‘untidy’ concealable areas. Each family member has their own space they can close off. The TV is situated at the front of the house, and the kids’ play area is upstairs, adjacent to a large balcony. This connects to a shaded courtyard on the ground floor via the pink spiral staircase.
© Tatjana Plitt
The pool is a focal point and integrated into the house. This required close technical collaboration between multiple consultants and contractors. Structurally, the pool and house are separate; the house slab cantilevers over the pool shell. Curved terrazzo and mosaic tiles line the junction to create a flush finish.
© Tatjana Plitt
The project began as an extension to an existing ‘weatherboard-look’ cottage, however, after exploring initial concepts, it became apparent that it would be expensive to fix and thermally unfeasible. There were also boundary misalignments, and the existing house was so close to the southern neighbours that their windows had no sunlight. Building new meant the site could be planned efficiently, and solar access improved for both client and neighbours. The upper floor is centralised on the site to minimise impact on neighbours. Setbacks provide light to the southern neighbour’s windows.
© Tatjana Plitt
Creating a home is an intimate process in getting to know the inhabitants, and this project was designed not only to enhance how they live, but to have it look and feel uniquely theirs. The result is a home that is fun, warm, and quirky.
Project Info
Architects: Circle Studio Architects
Country: Australia, Yarraville
Area: 247 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Tatjana Plitt
Manufacturers Gaggenau, Academy Tiles, Classic Ceramic, Coco Flip, Moooi, Oblica, Ross Gardam, Shoot Stylist, Signorino: Gaggenau
Category: Residential Architecture
Lead Team: Yvonne Meng
Design Team: Natasha Letemina, Amber Laing
General Contractor: Never Stop Group
Contractor: TLC Pools, ACM Outdoors, Vision Interior Fitouts
Engineering & Consulting > Structural: R Bliem and Associates
Landscape Architecture: Mint Landscape Design
Engineering & Consulting > Environmental Sustainability: Urban Digestor
Engineering & Consulting > Other: Permit Approvals Plus
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.