Contemporist iconContemporistSep 10, 2026 ~6 min source read

Mezzanine House in Perth: concrete, timber and coastal-focused family living

Craig Steere Architects designed a home for a family of five that prioritizes light, cross‑breezes and flexible spaces. The Mezzanine House pairs concrete and dark timber with passive systems, a pool that runs beside the house, and a one‑bed apartment above for future adaptability.

This Perth Home Blends Concrete, Timber and Coastal-Inspired Living

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A material palette of concrete, dark timber, metal and glass defines the house while connecting it to the local context.

Design responds to site orientation and topography: massing, sun control and glazing encourage daylight and ocean breezes while reducing overshadowing.

Sustainability measures are integrated: passive solar strategies, shading, rainwater harvesting, solar panels and battery storage.

# Quick summary Perth is a contemporary family home that combines robust materials with coastal planning principles. It was designed around sunlight, ocean breezes and the evolving needs of a family of five. The project pairs open communal areas with quieter private zones and includes a self‑contained one‑bed apartment above the main house for visiting family or future use.

# Form, materials and site response The house uses concrete, dark timber and metal as its primary materials, producing a tactile, restrained aesthetic. Massing and orientation respond to the site's topography and neighbouring properties to limit overshadowing. Large glazed areas bring light and landscape into the interior while perforated screening, shading devices and careful window placement manage sun, privacy and microclimate.

# Interior layout and living strategy

The kitchen centers on a large stone island with a richly patterned green and blue surface that continues down its front. Warm timber joinery and a dark timber ceiling balance the stone island, while pale floors keep the room bright.

# Outdoor connection and pool A long, narrow pool runs alongside the house and is integrated visually and spatially with ground‑floor glazing so water and interior space sit immediately next to each other. At the entry, a patio with a water feature introduces an outdoor arrival sequence and reinforces the link between landscape and architecture. A black metal staircase running diagonally across the exterior and a perforated upper screen add texture and vertical interest around the pool zone.

# Flexibility and future planning

# Environmental measures Passive solar design, shading and microclimate strategies shape the building's performance. The project includes rainwater collection, solar panels and battery storage to support environmental goals. The combination of passive and active systems indicates an integrated approach rather than a single‑measure solution.

# Materials and key features at a glance

  • Concrete, dark timber and metal as dominant exterior and interior materials
  • Perforated upper screen for filtered light and facade texture
  • Long pool directly adjacent to living spaces
  • Large stone kitchen island in green/blue stone with timber joinery
  • Double‑height dining room with black‑framed windows
  • One‑bed apartment above the house and flexible rooms for changing needs

# Why it matters to someone considering a coastal house in Perth House shows how a robust material palette and straightforward environmental measures can work together to create coastal living that is both comfortable and adaptable. The design balances open family spaces and quieter rooms while keeping outdoor connection central to daily life.

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Illoca
Awwwards iconAwwwardsSep 4, 2026

Illoca

illoca is an AI-native design engine built for professional architects. Explore, refine, and move from first ideas to editable 2D and 3D designs.

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