Curvy House by Ben Callery Creates an Illusion of Space

In Melbourne, Ben Callery Architects has completed Curvy House, maximising illumination within a narrow site. With a six-and-a-half-meter (21-foot) wide block confined by neighbouring walls and a heritage facade, light levels in the original house were limited.

Further, the lot’s difficult orientation, with its north-facing side at the front, posed a challenge. In response, the architects popped up the roof and then peeled it up towards the north.

“The large highlight window brings in warming winter sun and the perimeter of clerestory windows brings light in at all times of the day,” the team said.

“The convex curve of the roof bounces direct sunlight down into the living space but also creates an illusion of space.”

The ramp of the peeled roof directs the eye up and outwards, increasing the sense of space vertically, while the long tail of the roof cantilevering over the back deck accentuates the feeling of length on a small site.

A slender structural frame and black steel windows help to create a “floating” feeling to the roof, the architects added.

“The light-coloured ceiling contrasts with the dark solidity of the external walls and cabinetry increasing the sense of weightlessness,” they noted.

“As a result the house is naturally comfortable, warm and bright.”

From the client’s perspective, the design addressed multiple challenges, including a south-facing aspect of the original house and its position on a terrace.

“The design delivered all the things we wanted in our renovation – more light, more space, more openness. But also a stunningly beautiful space to admire every day as well,” they said.