The Obsidian House
A restrained composition shaped by slope, shadow and material depth.
No.45 is conceived as a quiet architectural response to a steep Taringa site—an exploration of proportion, excavation and light within the constraints of a 9.5-metre height limit. The house is one of two sibling dwellings, each sharing a common design philosophy while expressing its own material character. Here, a darker palette of stone, timber and muted finishes anchors the home to the landscape, giving it a sense of depth and calm.
The building steps gently with the terrain, negotiating excavation and natural fall to achieve balanced levels across three floors. This calibrated approach allows living spaces to open toward long views, capturing soft morning light and the calm of the elevated street. Carefully positioned glazing, screens and volumes control privacy while enhancing the sense of quiet enclosure.
Internally, the plan is shaped by the movement of light: a central stair core, considered openings and the orientation of key rooms work together to soften shadows and draw illumination deep into the home. Living areas extend toward the outdoor terrace and landscape, forming a continuous spatial field that elevates the everyday experience.
No.45 is defined not by scale or spectacle, but by the discipline of its decisions. Light, materiality and site constraints converge to create a dwelling that feels grounded, composed and deliberately understated. Its companion at No.47 follows the same architectural intent, expressed through a lighter palette to suit a different sensibility and way of living.

