This stunning Mt Waverley property has been the home of architect Maria Danos and her family for the past nine years. The home was designed by Maria, who explains that her design approach is deliberate tip of the hat to the ‘optimism of Melbourne’s mid-century modern homes’ which are characteristic of the suburb. The home maintains this architectural vocabulary through the use of face brick, timber framed window joinery, and varying ceiling heights to encourage the interplay of light.
The undulating site landscape presented some challenges, but also offered an opportunity to ‘sculpt’ the rear space and play with scale and elevations. This sculptural quality runs throughout the home, reinforced by the use of striking natural materials. Maria explains ‘I used a limited palette of earthy, ‘expressive’ materials, and have explored simple detailing techniques to convey the materiality of the finishes used.’
These materials are appreciated and enjoyed by the whole family, as Christos highlights his favourite part of the house is the use of granite stone in contrast to the black floors. For Eleni, the artworks and furniture are her favourites, for the way they ‘go so nicely with the house.’ It seems an eye for design runs in the family!
The eye-catching granite was the literal rock around which other materials were selected, including the dramatic introduction of primary colours. Cobalt blue enlivens private open spaces, accented with a sharp yellow, and framed with a red pivot door and carpets.
The family’s Hellenic heritage is also celebrated through the inclusion of inherited heirlooms (such as Maria’s grandfathers’ treasured kilim rug), and a mural above the pool created by Mutina ceramics. Maria’s intention was to design with quality and a sense of ‘richness’, while also creating an inviting and un-precious abode. She enthuses about the homes capacity to entertain, and welcome the various ‘tribes’ who ‘enrich our lives, including our dear family, friends, school friends and colleagues.’
