A unique block required a unique solution and in doing so transformed more than the site, but the way one might approach similar settings and layouts in the future. Light Scoop House makes the most of its 6-metre-wide block, leaving any trace of its worker cottage roots firmly in the past. What remains - or what replaces it – is a home as sanctuary, an embracing of light and ease and the all the life-giving qualities they provide.
Step up to the red door at Light Scoop House and you might get a glimpse of what’s in store, but you’ll never truly expect what is about to be revealed. This is an extraordinarily long block – 48 metres – and Molecule Studio has made use of almost all of it.
There are, of course, clues. Hints of Modernism abound and the semi-circular handle over the red door and grid of rectangular windows feel decidedly mid-century, even Californian. The slate path and concrete landing do little to dispel that notion. This is also the first glimpse at its namesake detail. The washed timber boards overhead shoot diagonally towards the sky, creating the large aperture to ‘scoop’ the light.
The small entrance enclosed within is also a neat trick that squeezes and releases, creating just the right amount of tension that is opened wide to a feeling of ceilings taller than they should be or bigger rooms. It lends the whole space a sense of occasion, even if that occasion is peace and quiet.
Originally a single storey, weatherboard cottage, Molecule’s director, Anja de Spa notes, “our preferred approach is to renovate rather than demolish, and initial concepts explored these opportunities. Unfortunately, the existing house had structural and material issues, so the most feasible option was to build new.”
“From the concept stage, we were quite open to the potential of the site. We were able to be open to the client’s brief, and I think that is the time to test different approaches. On this side, being able to build new, I think it just allowed for that consistent approach through the whole house.”
The creation of a calm, retreat-like atmosphere to the interior is evident. What the brief also outlined was a keenness for robust materials, surfaces that would minimise maintenance, looking for products and solutions that, for example, would have little to no grout. With this in mind, de Spa and Molecule started looking at a subdued material palette.
Floorboards were kept light and continue to the ceiling as whitewashed timber lining boards. From here, the inclusion on Laminex Calm White, a neutral white with warm undertones was clear. Complementing the materials within: Corian for the bathroom vanities, stainless steel benchtops in the kitchen, muted timbers throughout and soft grey upholstery, it was the perfect choice to rise to the occasion.
Nothing in Light Scoop House is ever just white, giving it its peaceful energy. Avoiding stark white – and any notions of hospital or asylum - the coolness and calm of the interior is thanks largely to the subtle variations of the palest versions of a colour and the tints of hues. Even, say, the inclusion of a pale pink sliding door or the horizontally fluted glass in the kitchen that suggests detail, hinting, yet never bombarding you with anything unnecessary.
Light Scoop House is broken up by two courtyards, several skylights and of course it’s eponymic detail at either end. Each step through draws you on, encouraging you, but this is not a house that rushes anything. And even though sliding doors have been employed at every break, they’re designed to hideaway, to stay open, as if to further your connection to nature and each other.
Display niches and wardrobes feature Laminex Lava Grey internals, a subtly dramatic inclusion that lets pieces pop, taking full advantage of the contrast provided by the darker background, and another moment, subliminal or not, for quiet contemplation.
Finishing the interior tour, a sunken living room not only convinces that this is a wonderful Mid Century time machine but also makes good on all previous promises of a retreat. Sitting lower than the kitchen and living, the focus is now the outdoors. The unbroken line of the timber ceiling runs clear, extending outside, leaving the confines of the home and is released via the rear ‘light scoop’. Like everything else, it is seamless, effortless and calm.
“In a site that that is very narrow and is sandwiched between two houses, you get these lovely sky views,” says de Spa. “There’s a beautiful, really quiet, low frequency energy to it.”
Perhaps the ultimate compliment came from the owners themselves.
“We don’t to go on holiday anymore.”
Explore Molecule Studio's work on their website and explore The Local Project feature.
Credits:
Design: Molecule Studio
Builder: CBD Contracting
Photographer: Tom Ross
Stylist: Beck Simon
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