Kew House 3

House of the Year and featured in the New York Times

Located in the leafy heritage-heavy suburb of Kew, Melbourne – Kew House 3 by Vibe Design Group sought to embody the iconic elegance of the 1950’s and 60’s modernist era. Enveloped by an arrangement of Silvertop-Ash profiles, the floating timber street façade draws inspiration from retro stereo cabinets.

“The façade of Kew House 3 is the first point to draw attention. Inspired by 1950’s stereo cabinets, a recognisable reference realised with skill and humour, the façade is further enhanced by design features that make the whole structure appear to float above the ground. Vibe Design Group’s Michael O’Sullivan creates this illusion by utilising the slanted and rear-sloping geography of the block”

Rick Murphy – Box Magazine

Vibe Design Group’s, Kew House 3 uses timbers natural warmth and appeal to not only wrap a dynamic exterior but also evoke a journey of discovery within the home.

On entering the home you are met with floor to ceiling veneer panels with a vertical timber grain that makes them appear like the base of a tree. The panels wrap an interactive core that houses the cloak, powder room, cellar and integrated kitchen wall. The illusion is maintained by the use of pivot-hinged panels that close with a magnetic catch, eliminating the recognizable characteristics of a traditional door.

The home struck a chord internationally, gracing the covers of magazines and written about in design journals, most notably the lifestyle section of New York Times in an article titled “A Home That Looks Like the Sounds of the 60’s”.

“The owners requested a light, spacious four bedroom home decked out with quality materials, appliances and detail to finish. The interior lives up to the brief, combining the modern design and luxury fit-out you’d expect to find in a home of this calibre. The owners also requested a high concept design and unique visual aspects. It is here that they hit the jackpot.’

Rick Murphy – Box Magazine

Kew House 3 also gained recognition within Australia winning a string of design awards including “Design of the Year” and gracing our TV screens as the backdrop to Planet Arks ‘wood naturally better initiative’ campaign, educating consumers on sustainably managed wood.

Vibe’s project sits well in its treed environs. Silvertop Ash was chosen as the cladding because its eventual grey colour will blend completely and afford a sense of belonging to the treed backdrop.

Get in touch

To discuss your next project contact Michael or Kathryn at VIbe Design Group.

Call: +61 447 988 843

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Kew House 3

House of the Year and featured in the New York Times

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