Northcote House by Olaver

Homes
Written By Anthony Richardson

Northcote House by Olaver

A quietly expressive house in Northcote, Victoria

 
 
 
 

What does it mean for a family home to make life feel simpler, rather than more complicated? Northcote House by Olaver Architecture responds with a design shaped by function, calm and a more deliberate way of living.

 

Set on the western edge of Northcote, Northcote House by Olaver reworks a dilapidated Edwardian home into a calmer and more functional response to family life. Positioned on a narrow north-facing site with laneway access, the project is shaped by a brief that prioritised function over excess, seeking to provide what was needed without simply adding space for its own sake. The design resolves this through a series of distinct yet connected living zones, with compact, hard-working service spaces allowing the overall footprint to remain modest while still supporting a growing family. Light is carefully managed through eaves, screens, curtains and a circular opening over the upper deck, creating a richer interplay of shadow throughout the day. Shou sugi ban cladding wraps the exterior, referencing the client’s love of Japanese design. That same shou sugi ban timber is brought internally, along with timber windows, stone and durable finishes, bringing texture and depth to the interiors without overwhelming them, giving the house a calm and grounded presence.

‘Life is complicated enough. So how can we create spaces that don't add to those complications? So providing spaces for function, but not providing space for the sake of providing space.’

— Emlyn Olaver, Director, Olaver Architecture

Architecture by Olaver Architecture, built by Silverstream Constructions, structural engineering by R.I. Brown and landscape design by Florian Wild.

Produced by Simple Dwelling. Filmed, edited, photographed and words by Anthony Richardson.

 
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