THOMSON HOUSE
A home by ACO Architects that embraces both expansiveness and quiet connection to nature.
The Thomson House is designed for a multi-generational family desiring both expansiveness and warmth within their shared home. Located prominently at a junction of a quiet landed estate, the house's design capitalises on its prime location, framing views of the estate's greenery. The interior spaces are grounded and intimate, creating a calm and connected atmosphere.
The design centers on fostering strong connections within the family. A central pool courtyard becomes a daily gathering place
– a space to gather for play, conversation, and quiet retreat. The main spaces are planned around the courtyard, ensuring a visual and emotional connection between family members throughout the day. Inside and around the courtyard, lush landscaping and the gentle sound of cascading water create a serene oasis, providing a tranquil respite from the traffic on the main road.
The C-shaped configuration and stepped terraces demonstrate a thoughtful response to the site.
The distinct C-shaped massing wraps the courtyard, eliminating deep, enclosed spaces and allowing natural daylight and ventilation to reach all rooms. The upper terraces are stepped back away from the main road; this departure from a typical semi-detached typology offers the house both better privacy, while the reduced mass presents a better urban response to the site context.
The house exterior is rendered in a subtle concrete textured hue paired with warm walnut aluminium accents to give the house a calm contemporary character that complements its surroundings without dominating the streetscape. ACO Architects has transformed the corner plot into a thoughtful addition to the neighbourhood and a home that is attuned to the daily rhythms of family life. The design upholds the ethos of ACO Architects and commitment to human comfort, environmental performance, and respecting the site context.
