Brutalist Revival
Anchored in Lilyfield’s leafy avenues, the Frazer Street Residence is a study in contemporary brutalism softened by craft. Twin terrace forms stretch deep into the block, their off-form concrete and expansive glazing delivering a monolithic first impression. Inside, that raw framework gives way to layers of honed marble, sculpted timber and linen-rendered walls; aged-iron tapware and discreet brass inlays add quiet notes of history. Light pours through timber screens, animating stone benchtops and turning everyday rituals into sensory moments.
Designing two long, narrow homes side-by-side brought immediate challenges. A heritage-listed tree stands at the centre of the plot, dictating setbacks and forcing the floor plates to bend around its protected canopy. The brutalist shell—while striking—risked feeling cold, and the three-storey height threatened to disconnect living zones. Typical of Sydney terraces, bedrooms and bathrooms were tight, demanding clever planning to preserve comfort and luxury within limited footprints.
The team answered with a hierarchy of warm, high impact finishes that countered the coolness of concrete. Dramatic stone slabs—Calacatta Ice Jade, Pietra Grey—anchor kitchens and bathrooms, while linen wall finishes and textured timbers soften acoustics and touch. Custom glazing wraps internal courtyards, drawing the eye to the heritage tree and bouncing light deep into the plan. Small bathrooms gain stature through full-height stone and concealed storage; Gaggenau appliances and Cosentino surfaces elevate function without visual clutter.
Circulation became the glue for family life. A central spine links all three levels, punctuated by skylights and a sculptural stair that encourages flow rather than fragmentation. In the basement, timber cladding and a recessed hearth create a retreat-like lounge; above, bedrooms cocoon in muted palettes, and the top floor opens to rooftop terraces that borrow treetop views. Lush planting and a mineral-toned pool soften edges outdoors, ensuring the raw becomes refined—and the functional, quietly poetic.
Designing two long, narrow homes side-by-side brought immediate challenges. A heritage-listed tree stands at the centre of the plot, dictating setbacks and forcing the floor plates to bend around its protected canopy. The brutalist shell—while striking—risked feeling cold, and the three-storey height threatened to disconnect living zones. Typical of Sydney terraces, bedrooms and bathrooms were tight, demanding clever planning to preserve comfort and luxury within limited footprints.
The team answered with a hierarchy of warm, high impact finishes that countered the coolness of concrete. Dramatic stone slabs—Calacatta Ice Jade, Pietra Grey—anchor kitchens and bathrooms, while linen wall finishes and textured timbers soften acoustics and touch. Custom glazing wraps internal courtyards, drawing the eye to the heritage tree and bouncing light deep into the plan. Small bathrooms gain stature through full-height stone and concealed storage; Gaggenau appliances and Cosentino surfaces elevate function without visual clutter.
Circulation became the glue for family life. A central spine links all three levels, punctuated by skylights and a sculptural stair that encourages flow rather than fragmentation. In the basement, timber cladding and a recessed hearth create a retreat-like lounge; above, bedrooms cocoon in muted palettes, and the top floor opens to rooftop terraces that borrow treetop views. Lush planting and a mineral-toned pool soften edges outdoors, ensuring the raw becomes refined—and the functional, quietly poetic.
