the ‘campbell street’ residence by DKO architecture and SLAB sees a pair of urban townhouses that result from a case study in compact, high-quality inner city architecture. to do so, the project has transformed a 76-square-meter parcel of land into two light-filled, three-bedroom vertical dwellings. located in collingwood, australia, each house is composed of six levels, including a basement, ground floor garage and a rooftop terrace with pool.

DKO architecture + SLAB architecture add black metal screen façade to vertical dwellings in australia designboom
images by kate ballis & tom blachford 

 

 

in order to open up the vertical space, the architects — DKO architecture and SLAB architecture— inserted a spacious steel and timber stairwell that connects the levels, forming a light-well that illuminates, ventilates and enables vertical living. the creative use of joinery allows spaces and functions to adapt to need, with kitchen and living areas performing as multi-functional spaces. a movable timber slab on the kitchen bench, for example, allows for re-purposing from chopping block to increase dining capacity. the bedrooms have been equipped with integrated wardrobes, bathrooms and study zones that together highlight the compact size of these interior spaces. clear gazing separates the stairwell from the bathrooms in an act of transparency that is reduced by full-height blinds when required.

DKO architecture + SLAB architecture add black metal screen façade to vertical dwellings in australia designboom

 

 

the façade’s operable architectural metal screens create a dappled light in the interiors, while the rooftop decks offer stunning views across collingwood. the lush landscaping, together with the pool, create the perfect urban escape and vantage point for warm days’ enjoyment. similar but not identical, each dwelling features its own personal touches. high quality materials and fittings provide a sense of crafted design and refined detailing across both homes. the material palette consists of black steel and raw concrete, drawing inspiration from the area’s urban context and working-class past.

DKO architecture + SLAB architecture add black metal screen façade to vertical dwellings in australia designboom

DKO architecture + SLAB architecture add black metal screen façade to vertical dwellings in australia designboom

DKO architecture + SLAB architecture add black metal screen façade to vertical dwellings in australia designboom

DKO architecture + SLAB architecture add black metal screen façade to vertical dwellings in australia designboom

DKO architecture + SLAB architecture add black metal screen façade to vertical dwellings in australia designboom

 

 

project info:

 

architects: DKO architecture, slab
location: collingwood, australia
lead architects: jesse linardi, seada linardi
area: 304.0 m2
project year: 2017
photographs: kate ballis, tom blachford
manufacturers: brodware, fisher & paykel, gaggenau, gessi, hub furniture, liebherr, reece, astra walker, methven, eco timber, royal oak floors, artedomus, alape, gorenje, life space journey, signorino, parisi

other participants: michael drescher, laura saunders, keen tham
collaborators: milieu property