All buildings tell a story, from the architecture of ancient Rome to the skyscrapers that dot our modern horizons. Without this story, buildings would be simple boxes of pure function. In architecture, a residence is more than a simple shelter. It is a story of the people that live there, the relationships between them, and the living that occurs when a home is occupied. Armadale Residence is one such home. Designed by Australian firm B.E Architecture, Armadale Residence is a two-storey dwelling located in Melbourne. The home was designed for a couple who downsized from a larger family unit. The design balances between permanence and lightness, a nod to the human experience of dreaming while grounded in a single place.
On the exterior, the façade is an impressive arrangement of stone, 260 tons of granite to be exact. This granite is made surprisingly light by cantilevers which appear to be floating in air. The same stone continues on the interior, comprised into gorgeous details on the floors, counters, and walls. The result is a completely unified design—a narrative that connects the various elements together.
The impeccable craftsmanship in Armadale Residence elevates everyday living to gorgeous memorable moments. Some of the highlights are the staircase, the wall of retractable doors in the living room, the adjoining courtyard, and the extra-large master bath. The staircase sits at the centre of the home and tells a story of its own. Stairways often symbolise transitions, and can be very emotive. The skylight above the stairs provides illumination and allows the user an unobstructed view of the sky. When you rise on these stairs, you are experiencing not just the physical changing of height, but a spiritual ascending towards the sky.
