Australian Houses : Stone Soul House in Melbourne’s southeast

 Three-level ‘Mediterranean courtyard’ home

Architecture & Design : Robson Rak

Landscape Design : Landspace

Photos  ©  Shannon McGrath

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A multigenerational, three-level ‘Mediterranean courtyard’ home for a growing family of six.

Kathryn Robson and Chris Rak : 

‘The House of Stone and Soul is an intimate home of peace and

 tranquillity, designed to expand and play host to many’

Refined elements encased within a heavy exterior of limestone and

 handmade brick define Melbourne’s Stone Soul House, a project

 carried out by St. Kilda-based architecture firm Robson Rak.

Through a collaborative approach with dedicated artisans and creatives, 

Robson Rak have realised a monumental family home designed

 to  evolve alongside its inhabitants.

This residence was designed as a home that would accommodate and evolve to the needs

 of a growing  family of six.  Spanning  three  floors,  two above-ground and a basement

 level, the grandness and robustness of its volumes are tempered into a cozy, welcoming

 ambiance by the studio’s choice of material  palette and interior  elements :  warm oak, 

brass accents, gray textiles, and decorative accents in hues of olive greens, pale pinks, 

and blue-greens. From the entrance, the layout reveals outdoor courtyards that interact 

with an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. This communal space spills over

 to the outdoors, where family and friends enjoy an outdoor dining terrace and 

garden,  along with a 25-meter swimming pool,  a spa,  and a basketball 

half-court.  Tucked  away on a much  quieter  area on the ground floor 

is  a home office and library, where a curved floor-to-ceiling wall of 

shelves  display a collection of local artworks and sculptures.

The home emphasises collaborations with local artists and artisans

 through bespoke cabinetry and furniture, commissioned artworks,

 handcrafted rugs, and a statement entry door pull.

A sweeping staircase leads to the residence’s private spaces consisting

 of five ensuite bedrooms with views of the gardens. A home gym

 and guest suites are located in the basement.

An award-winning architecture and interior design practice,

 Robson Rak puts emphasis on innovative design, longevity, 

sustainability and client value in each of their projects.

Kathryn Robson and Chris Rak : 

‘Place of permanence, allowing a sense of peace and calm

 in  the refuge that is  offered amongst walls of ancient stone’