An architect’s home can reveal a manifesto of brave, obstinate and very particular ideas that compel attention. That is precisely what Martin Friedrich and his wife Claire have accomplished on their newly listed four-bedroom townhouse, named The Atrium House, at 58A Champion Street in Brighton, which has a price range of AUD 5.7M – AUD 6.25M based on its listing price.
The outside of the home reveals soft grey concrete render and iron-grey accents that tease you along the street before the inside can show you the beauty of their architectural thesis – a delightful double-storey atrium (or “reasonable ground”) that forms a perimeter to surround a central courtyard featuring curved glass and fine steel provides natural north-to-south light to this south-facing lot, as well as making the circulation pathways interestingly novel by creating a visual display. The overall finish is individually different, however, contrasting polished plaster and timber floors with sculptural curved staircases with fine custom joinery (such as built-in cabinetry) that communicate softly rather than loudly.
The programme has an air of refined luxury but is also based on practical considerations to avoid ostentation. Although entertainment is emphasised as the main purpose of the kitchen (with Gaggenau appliances throughout—multiple ovens, cooktops (gas and induction), and a butler’s pantry to support this function), there is also a cocktail cabinet with an integrated wine fridge located close to guests. The suite occupies the main level of the home and features a fully marble-clad bathroom and large dressing room along with a sitting room overlooking the pool. The lower levels of the dwelling house show the use of space that is allocated for recreation; you have access to a cinema, a games room, a wine cellar, and a gym with a direct view of the pool from the window. The exterior consists of a terrace and barbecue, along with a circulation path referred to by the Friedrichs as the house’s “spine,” which connects the atrium to the kitchen.
The desirable elements of the house combine practicality with a degree of spectacle; a lift was included to facilitate vertical circulation, and the garage (as in the case of the lift) provides parking for approximately six to seven vehicles, which alludes to the fact that the house was designed as a combination of home and professional showpiece. The Friedrichs lived in the house for three years (from completion to sale) with their children; the temporary showcase is now a beloved family home (note: Star Wars Lego is still hidden in their children’s play area).
Interest in the house has been strong. There have been dozens of inspection groups (families, downsizers and design fans) from all parts of Melbourne. This indicates that the house is of interest to both lifestyle purchasers and collectors of contemporary residential design. The house is being sold via expressions of interest (EoI) rather than a traditional auction process. EoIs are generally more suitable than auctions when selling a high-end architect-designed home where a purchaser is seeking a unique asset.
The Atrium House is unique not only for its amenities but also for their composition. The Atrium House is based on the principle of using curves throughout the building, using the central void to change how light enters the building from the south, and using a material palette of primarily textural materials with little or no decorative embellishment. As a result, for architects and design-orientated purchasers, The Atrium House is not only a home; it is a constructed argument that describes how townhouse living can contain both intimate and theatrical spatial arrangements.
The opportunity to submit an expression of interest is currently available. If you appreciate architecture as an integral part of your daily life, rather than as something to see in a museum, then this Brighton townhouse is a unique opportunity for you to purchase a home that is both a home and a small volume that illustrates how different residential designs can be when an architect is willing to live inside their own design concepts.
