Perched within one of Longueville’s leafy, harbour‑fringed streets, the Mary Street House by Johnstone & Johnson articulates a contemporary residential language that is both refined and contextually attuned. The design responds thoughtfully to its established suburban setting, balancing privacy and openness through a considered interplay of volumes and fenestration that maximises natural light while framing views of the surrounding greenery and sky. Embracing clarity of form and material restraint, the architecture orchestrates interior and exterior spaces with an intuitive spatial flow. Generous glazing and articulated outdoor living areas extend the home’s living zones into the landscape, fostering a seamless indoor‑outdoor connection that embodies relaxed yet purposeful coastal living. Throughout, a curated palette of enduring materials grounds the composition in tactility and warmth, while precise detailing and proportion ensure the house sits comfortably within its context. The result is a residence that feels both contemporary and timeless, an elegant expression of modern domestic architecture that enriches everyday life and reflects the unique character of Longueville’s peninsula environment.
For more details on this design, read the Longueville article
Located within a lush coastal setting, this contemporary residence explores how architecture can respond to climate, privacy, and landscape through a restrained yet expressive material palette. The design is defined by bold concrete volumes, deep shadows, and carefully screened façades that create a calm and protected domestic environment.
The architecture is organised around a series of intersecting concrete planes that establish the primary structural and visual framework of the house. These horizontal and vertical elements extend outward to create deep overhangs, sheltered outdoor spaces, and a layered façade composition.
The geometry of the concrete structure gives the house a strong sense of permanence while allowing other architectural elements to sit lightly within the framework. The result is a composition that feels both robust and carefully balanced.
Facing the street, the residence presents a more controlled and sculptural façade. Dark vertical screens and recessed openings provide privacy while allowing filtered light and ventilation to pass through the building.
These layered elements create a sense of depth and shadow across the façade, softening the otherwise solid concrete forms. The interplay between solid surfaces and screened openings establishes a rhythm that gives the architecture a distinct identity within the streetscape.
The project takes cues from tropical architecture, where shading, airflow, and protection from intense sunlight are essential design considerations. Deep overhangs and recessed glazing reduce heat gain while creating comfortable shaded spaces around the building.
Openings are carefully positioned to allow natural ventilation, encouraging air to move through the home and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. These passive strategies contribute to both environmental performance and spatial comfort.