At Caulfield North Residence, a covenant required masonry walls and a pitched slate roof, so we used this as defining characteristics of the home. The courtyard-style family home centres around a collection of fine art and objects, and internally the roofline is expressed with a lofty, asymmetrical cathedral ceilings across the first floor. North-facing living spaces wrap the central courtyard and draw in light, while dark grey timber cladding and batten screens soften the glazing and shield the house from the street.

Inside, white walls and grey speckled terrazzo floors set a monotone base where art takes the lead, and stone is expressed to provide elements of surprise. A richly figured green granite stone lines the back of the built-in shelves, a second green stone wraps the wall beside the stair, while further varieties appear across the kitchen bench and furniture, each one different in colour and pattern. Timber joinery adds warmth, and colourful artworks and furniture bring life to the family areas.

Upstairs the tone deepens. Bedrooms are laid in plush dark teal carpet, reached by a corridor where skylights run the length of the angled ceiling. Light above and stone below, the house tempers a gallery-like quality with its function as a family home.