Nareeb House

Toorak, Australia
Interior Design

Inspired by the interplay of light and shadow evident in Eastern Architecture, we drew upon the insights of Jun'ichirō Tanizaki for creative inspiration. Tanizaki's musings on the enigmatic allure of shadows resonated deeply with our vision: "The unseen for us does not exist. This was the genius of our ancestors, that by cutting off the light from this empty space they imparted to the world of shadows that formed there a quality of mystery and depth superior to that of any wall painting or ornament." (In Praise of Shadows, 1977)

Embracing the dichotomy of light and shadow as a guiding principle, we explored designs in which spaces exuded depth and intrigue through innovative manipulation of abundance and absence of light.

Constrained by height regulations of the overall structure, a central courtyard was conceived to harness natural light across the ground floor and basement level.

Spread across these two levels, strategically placed light chambers and skylights allowed us to manipulate the spaciousness and grandeur of the home, creating stark visual variations as the sun tracks across the sky each day. At the heart of the home lies the dual-story central courtyard, rapidly becoming home to a handful of established Ginkgo Biloba trees, flooding the kitchen, dining and formal living room with luminous warmth and light.

In contrast, the more private spaces comprising bedrooms, ensuites, and study areas are bathed in gentle and diffused light, evoking feelings of serenity and introspection.

Mindful selection of natural materials underscored our design ethos. A harmonious, neutral palette was curated to complement the vibrant internal courtyard, fostering an atmosphere of tranquillity and grace throughout the residence. We opted for large monolithic stone structures juxtaposed with small scale cobblestone flooring, showcasing the inherent elegance of raw, earthy textures.