This article was written by Brodie Norris and originally appeared on Lunchbox Architect.
After 10 years in Pascoe Vale South, Anna and Ben felt at home in their community, just not in their home. While they loved the area, their family had grown over the years to include two little ones and two littler ones (the dachshunds)! Feeling squeezed, they started looking for a new home and found a beautiful 1960s house with great bones, but in need of some work. They adored the old front of the home, with red bricks and corner windows. The backyard was north-facing, of a decent size with plenty of light: perfect for a pool, outdoor living and for growing veggies or raising chickens. The house was virtually untouched, but you could tell it had been cared for.
Anna and Ben had never worked with an architect before, but are fans of design and sustainability mags like Green and Sanctuary. They had a strong sense that because this was to be their family home, it was worthwhile investing in design to get the best outcome. Because the whole process was new to them, they didn't quite know what to expect when working with an architect. They had numerous questions that are common in first-time clients: 'Where do we start when working with an architect?' 'How does the process with an architect work?' And a big one, 'Can we afford an architect?'
Anna and Ben were interested in sustainability, keen on working with a local business, realistic about what they wanted to achieve, yet open-minded about the possibilities, so they were a great fit for an architect and Bent Architecture were happy to guide them through the process.
There are lots of Anna and Ben woven into the design of the home, from the rocks in the courtyard they sourced from Mansfield, to the old cabinetry that has been carefully incorporated to ensure the home feels warm and full of personality. Being a family with school-aged kids, there needed to be a space as soon as you walk in the door to kick off your shoes, hang up your bag and stash anything else you have in your hand, otherwise everything would end up spread around the house leading to the inevitable question, 'Muuuuuuummmmm... where are my shoooooess?' Bent Architecture solved that with an entry space with plenty of storage and a skylight so it doesn't feel dark.
Anna and Ben love to cook and entertain friends, so it was important to design a living area where there's "the capacity to have lots of people without feeling on top of each other." Without making the living areas too large, people can be in either the lounge area, the dining area or outside and still feel connected to the people in the kitchen. Ben says Bent Architecture "listened to how I use the house and then created something from that", which is just how we like to work!
The parts of their home they love? That it can open up to the outdoors "it is like you're outside", Ben says. They also agree it's amazing to be able to see the garden and the sky from all parts of the house. The other benefit of having such a great connection to the outdoors is being able to keep a watchful eye on the pool. "Because it's so open, I'm watching the pool without being outside", explains Anna.
The major challenge of working with an architect? Anna said sometimes the big reveal, when the architect presents the latest round of designs can take a bit to sink in. "Sometimes it's not what you were expecting and takes some time to process." She explains the design, "stretched me and opened my mind, but still managed to tick all of my boxes." So try not to feel overwhelmed, feel free to take your time to think things through. Architects are always open to hearing your feedback, so if something stretches your beyond your limits, let them know!
So, would they take the plunge and work with an architect again? Yes, they would! (Phew) But they're happy where they are for the time-being. Anna and Ben say they loved the way an architect can take their ideas and interpret them to create something truly unique and special. They also said having an architect to manage the building process during the contract administration stage was worthwhile and took the stress off. Being first-timers they were pleased they felt supported and didn't feel like they were asking anything stupid.
Just like a tiny sapling, a young family requires a some essential ingredients to grow up strong and healthy: space, natural light and a high-quality environment. Now Ben, Anna and the whole family have everything they need for a healthy and happy life and a place they can call home in the community they love.
