A modern family house in Melbourne’s south-east, Atelier House by AXE Architects explores how Australian residential design can move beyond conventional layouts to become an immersive, studio-like environment shaped by light, shadow and materiality. Designed for a family of five, the home is conceived not simply as a place to live, but as a spatial journey that enriches daily life through atmosphere and intention.
Set beside the King Street Reserve, the site enjoys a rare relationship with uninterrupted greenery. This strong connection to landscape informed the home’s orientation and planning, allowing nature to remain a constant presence throughout. Carefully framed views and a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship ensure the surrounding reserve feels embedded within the everyday rhythms of the house. The result is a modern family house that balances functional family living with a sense of calm and retreat.
Named Atelier, derived from the French word for studio, the home reflects the idea of a living workspace where creativity and lifestyle intersect. This concept is reinforced through a series of layered spatial experiences that unfold gradually. Rather than relying on overt gestures, the design focuses on how spaces feel at different times of day, with light treated as a primary architectural element. As sunlight shifts, it animates surfaces and casts shadows that give the interiors a dynamic, ever-changing quality.
Materiality plays a central role in shaping the home’s character. A warm timber palette extends beyond the floor plane to wrap feature ceiling bulkheads, creating continuity and a sense of enclosure. This warmth flows into the cabinetry and joinery by NX Decor by Urban Republic, finished in Ambrose oak to bring a tactile, natural softness to communal spaces. In contrast, darker tones are introduced through wall panelling and stone surfaces, adding depth and visual grounding without overwhelming the interior.
Custom wall panels guide movement from the entry through to the living and dining areas, establishing rhythm and cohesion throughout. These elements do more than provide surface treatment; they unify cabinetry, walls and architectural detailing into a singular language. Together, these elements reinforce the idea of a modern family house as a place of creativity, calm and everyday adaptability, rather than a rigidly defined domestic interior.
Steel-framed glazing, inspired by industrial studio typologies, further supports this sense of openness. Light passes freely through shared zones, maintaining connection while subtly defining spaces for gathering and retreat. Throughout the home, the design prioritises quality over scale, demonstrating that material consideration and spatial clarity can have greater impact than size alone. This approach positions the house as a refined yet approachable modern family house, responsive to both its occupants and its context.
Atelier House reflects a broader shift in contemporary Australian residential architecture, where homes are increasingly designed around experience rather than prescription. By focusing on light, material integrity and spatial journey, this modern family house offers an environment that supports family life while embracing architectural expression. It stands as an example of how a home can feel both lived-in and artful, grounded in place yet elevated in execution.
00:00 - Introduction to the Modern Family Home
01:16 - Design and Naming Inspiration
01:45 - Overarching Design Narrative
02:38 - Material Palette
03:45 - Cabinetry and Wall Panels
04:24 - Learnings
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Architecture and interior design by AXE Architects.
Build by Alia Homes.
Styling by Jess Kneebone.
Landscape design by Ben Scott Garden Design.
Cabinetry and wall panels by NX Decor by Urban Republic.
Filmed by Ryan Wehi.
Edited by Cadre.
Production by The Local Production.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
#Modern #Family #House
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