Boundary St House by Chan Architecture

ByJon Dykstra Houses

This exterior image showcases a distinctive architectural design that prominently emphasizes strong, angular lines on the façade, complemented by the use of brickwork.

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Studio: Chan Architecture
Location: Port Melbourne

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The Boundary Street House is a striking, new house on a small, irregular site in Port Melbourne. The project is unique in its context, situated on the border between commercial, industrial and residential areas and so provided an opportunity for a distinctive design.

The conceptual framework of the project was to draw inspiration from the industrial warehouse building type, and rework it to suit a residential brief. Strong, angular lines were used on the façade in conjunction with brickwork /that was hand recycled from a demolished warehouse.

The façade was then ‘peeled open’ via the use of perforated mesh exposing the steel structure underneath. This created varying levels of transparency and privacy whilst allowing natural light into the entrance area. Black sheet metal cladding completed the façade which made reference to the industrial aesthetic in the area whilst also providing contrast and texture.

The double height entrance area forms the spine of the house, connecting the main living spaces downstairs with the sleeping areas upstairs. This circulation area is filled with light throughout the day, with the combination of the perforated mesh screening and timber balustrade creating constantly changing light effects on the interior.

The client’s brief was for three bedrooms, two bathrooms and flexible open-planned living spaces. Our response was to thoroughly understand the needs of the client and how they use each space, so that each space could be customised and detailed specifically to the their needs.

Due to the passive design principles employed in the design, the house is comfortable all year round, only requiring minimal heating and cooling. In addition the downstairs living spaces wrap around a north facing internal courtyard, providing natural light and ventilation to the main living spaces and the double height entry area allows for hot air to be flushed out of the house during summer.

This is a close-up shot that specifically captures the facade's black sheet metal cladding and the brickwork.
This is a close-up shot that specifically captures the facade’s black sheet metal cladding and the brickwork.
This is a daytime exterior shot that highlights the unique design of a house's front facade.
This is a daytime exterior shot that highlights the unique design of a house’s front facade.
An exterior shot from a different vantage point, showcasing the unique architectural design of the front facade of the house, taken during daylight hours.
An exterior shot from a different vantage point, showcasing the unique architectural design of the front facade of the house, taken during daylight hours.
The interior of the living room and dining room is captured in the photograph, which features sliding glass doors that provide access to the outdoor area.
The interior of the living room and dining room is captured in the photograph, which features sliding glass doors that provide access to the outdoor area.
The photograph captures the dining area seamlessly integrated within the kitchen space.
The photograph captures the dining area seamlessly integrated within the kitchen space.
The image showcases the design of the kitchen area, with a particular focus on the kitchen island table.
The image showcases the design of the kitchen area, with a particular focus on the kitchen island table.
An interior shot of the kitchen area featuring the skylight above it.
An interior shot of the kitchen area featuring the skylight above it.
An image that captures the house's staircase featuring the glass walls and windows on its side.
An image that captures the house’s staircase featuring the glass walls and windows on its side.
A photograph of the staircase captured from the upper level of the house.
A photograph of the staircase captured from the upper level of the house.
A photograph depicting a bedroom, with its door left open, as viewed from an external vantage point.
A photograph depicting a bedroom, with its door left open, as viewed from an external vantage point.
A bathroom comprising of essential fixtures, namely a toilet, sink, and mirror.
A bathroom comprising of essential fixtures, namely a toilet, sink, and mirror.

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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