There is something instantly uplifting about a home created for a family that wanted more than the usual renovation. In Brighton, Australia, a young couple with three children approached Martin Friedrich Architects with a request for a home that felt fun, modern and full of life. Their existing house dated back to the 1930s and had been renovated in the 1980s, but it was dark, cramped and filled with low ceilings. What they wanted was a space that reflected their active lifestyle, love of entertaining and energetic personality.
What began as a renovation soon shifted into a near complete rebuild. The structure was in such poor condition that only the general side envelope could be followed. The architects embraced this challenge and wrapped the new home in a striking exterior. The facade now features a sweeping two storey curved section made from concrete that was cast in place. This sculptural form frames the original outline and creates projection for the balcony and entry canopy. Full height glazing runs across two levels, while a band of black Japanese oak slices through the white render, creating a sharp contrast.
Inside, everything feels open and bright. The maze of narrow passages and low ceilings was removed and replaced with generous open spaces. The foyer leads straight into a two storey atrium that cuts through the heart of the home to form a formal lounge and piano room.
Further inside, the main living space brings together the dining, lounge and kitchen. Custom joinery designed by the architects lines the wall, adding function and visual rhythm. A floor to ceiling window wraps up and over the room to form a skylight that fills this entire zone with daylight. The polished concrete flooring continues outside onto timber decking that has been arranged for outdoor dining, creating a seamless indoor outdoor flow.
To the side of the house, a grassy zone has been set up for play. A small cricket pitch sits alongside a combined basketball and netball court, giving the children space to run and play without leaving home. Just beyond this is the pool area, where an infinity edge spa and pool sit beside a wave style pool house that creates a relaxed shaded spot after time in the water.
Back inside, a custom designed spiral staircase takes on a sculptural role. Black stair treads stand out against the white surround and tie in with other dark accents throughout the home. Above the stairs, a circular skylight provides soft filtered natural light that drops down to the level below.
Upstairs, multiple bedrooms extend across the family wings. One of these bedrooms looks out over the backyard and features a half circle window with frosted glass that gives privacy while still inviting daylight in. The bathrooms continue the focus on curves and light. In one, a curved brown tiled wall flows into the shower, which is partly hidden behind a mirror. In another, a frosted window becomes the backdrop for a freestanding bathtub.
Outside once more, the exterior shows off its sculptural personality. Angles and curves cut through the concrete forms and glazing, creating a modern and confident presence that speaks to the family who live within it.
This Brighton home feels alive with movement, light and family energy. Every decision was made to open the house, brighten the rooms and create spaces that support a life filled with activity. The result is a home that feels joyful in every corner.
Photography by Derek Swalwell and Martin Friedrich | Architects: Martin Friedrich Architects | Lead Architects: Martin Friedrich, Prashanth Iyer, Neha Gulati (Interior Designer) | Builder: 1186 Pty Ltd | Engineer: Vayco Structures | Joinery: Lior Morsky Touchwood Cabinetry | Electrical contractor: Premium Electrics | Gates and metal work: Hiba Design & Construction | Stairs built by: Slattery Acquoff Stairs | Landscape designer: Jodie Roach Landscape Design
