Architecture

A Vibrant Transformation Of A Brown Brick Suburban Home

Play House by State of Kin is an example of how unremarkable (but solid) 1970s/1980s brown brick Australian suburban homes can be revitalised for the modern day. 

By wrapping an existing house in Marmion, Perth with a metal ‘skin’, and reconfiguring the floorplan, the architects have completely transformed this property, without extending its footprint.

State of Kin hope the project serves as a beacon of possibility— a case for the ways in which these homes can be retained, reworked, and improved with thoughtful, adaptive architecture. 

Written
by
Amelia Barnes

Play House by State of Kin is an example of how unremarkable but solid 1970s/1980s brown brick homes typical of Australian suburbia can be revitalised for the modern day. Photo – Jack Lovel

A maroon perforated metal facade wraps around the existing brick home to create a contemporary appearance and distinct visual identity. Photo – Jack Lovel

The interior colour palette builds on the bold maroon facade with subtle nods to the home’s original 1970s/80s design (cork and terrazzo) and the surrounding coastal landscape (dusty greens and earthy hues). Photo – Jack Lovel

‘It has a fantastically fun energy that is consistently intriguing without being overwhelming,’ says architect Ara Salomone of the project. Photo – Jack Lovel

Through shifting and demolishing internal walls alone, State of Kin have created a more open and functional home. Photo – Jack Lovel

The renovation has given the home a new lease on life, providing a strong case for the retention and renewal of brown brick homes commonly found across Australia. Photo – Jack Lovel

‘There is better access to natural light and ventilation. It feels fresh and bright and airy where it used to feel quite closed and tight,’ says Ara. Photo – Jack Lovel

‘It definitely has a more expressive and emotive presence, and character all of its own now.’ Photo – Jack Lovel

Colour, pattern and texture are embraced throughout, using luscious, tonally balanced hues contrasted with brighter features. Photo – Jack Lovel

Curves and nods to 1970s/80s interiors continue in the bathrooms. Photo – Jack Lovel

Pastel accents provide a softness to the bathroom interiors. Photo – Jack Lovel

A bolder more masculine bathroom. Photo – Jack Lovel

Dreamy tones set the tone of the bedroom. Photo – Jack Lovel

State of Kin’s design acknowledges and revels in the home’s history, while lovingly moving it into the future. Photo – Jack Lovel

The renovation has given the home a new lease on life, providing a strong case for the retention and renewal of brown brick homes commonly found across Australia. Photo – Jack Lovel

Writer
Amelia Barnes
17th of March 2023

Prior to its recent transformation, this house in Marmion, Perth was a brown brick house with a terracotta tiled roof that was solid and well built, but uninspiring. Rather than demolishing and redeveloping, architects State of Kin and their clients saw potential for rejuvenation and renewal. 

In reconfiguring the floorplan and wrapping the brick facade in a new metal ‘skin,’ the architects have completely transformed the home, within its existing footprint. Through shifting and demolishing internal walls alone, they’ve created a more open and functional home, without losing any bedrooms or bathrooms.

From the outset, State of Kin envisioned wrapping the facade to modify the home’s exterior appearance, instead of altering the existing structure. 

They designed a maroon perforated metal facade, that provides a distinct visual identity and doubles as a shade and privacy screen. ‘The shadow and light impact of this floating metal skin is quite beautiful, casting dynamic shapes and patterns across the surfaces of the home and layering another vibrant texture to the spaces within,’ says Ara Salomone, State of Kin co-director. 

The interior colour palette builds on the bold facade, with subtle nods to the home’s original 1970s/80s design (cork and terrazzo) and the surrounding coastal landscape (dusty greens and earthy hues).  ‘It has a fantastically fun energy that is consistently intriguing without being overwhelming,’ says Ara. ‘It definitely has a more expressive and emotive presence, and character all of its own now.’ 

The renovation has given the home a new lease on life, providing a strong case for the retention and renewal of brown brick homes, commonly found across Australian suburbs. ‘The fact that we could create truly spacious, well-appointed rooms and improved movement, without losing the fabric of the original home, was really gratifying,’ says Ara. 

State of Kin’s design acknowledges and revels in the home’s history, while respectfully moving it into the future.

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