Hedges Residence Blends Architecture with Nature’s Serenity

A “robust climactic” residence, the Hedges Residence features a private, almost windowless facade, illuminated instead by internal gardens and its elevated orientation towards the beach.

Inside, Carrington explained that the simplest design element of the building can have the most profound effect. Here, a reduced, simple palette of planked concrete is paired with oak and rough-sawn travertine. These materials extend from the exterior to the interior.

“Aside from the homage to timeless modernist architecture, the impact of being in the space is profound. One is immediately struck by the serenity of the spaces, which are warm despite being minimal in their presentation,” he said.

“The absence of the noise of disparate materials and finishes gives the building a very clear, distinctive, and recognizable character beyond being just a building.”

Such materials are part of the largest space in the house, a two-storey living room that features floor-to-ceiling windows that link to the garden, physical links of which are made with the external concrete screen and an external balcony along the hallway.

Above the living space are private rooms, with bathrooms containing walls and ceilings of travertine.

“These materials extend from the exterior to the interior, creating a warm, natural aesthetic,” he said.

The 1,000 square metres (10,764 square feet) of the residence are split among the open living room, a kitchen area comprising of a kitchen island, and breakfast bar, and further back – the cooking area.

The living space is the third floor of the house; below ground is a full-size gym, yoga studio, and recreational pool deck area.

B.E. Architecture was established in Melbourne in 1997. Previously, the studio altered a brick terrace in Melbourne to improve the flow of natural light.