Is This House Wrapped in a Curtain of Concrete?

In Melbourne, Australia, FGR Architects designed the Concrete Curtain House as a calm presence within a chaotic suburban streetscape. The façade is defined by pleated concrete columns, a rhythmic brise soleil that provides privacy, controls sunlight, and sets the tone of the home’s restrained geometry.

Behind the sculptural exterior, the plan unfolds across split levels. A sunken living area flows to a kitchen clad in green Seafoam Ocean-Waves quartzite, while upstairs holds bedrooms, en-suites, and a library. Courtyards and skylights draw natural light deep inside, reinforcing a sense of openness despite the protective façade.

Materiality drives the project: concrete, glass, travertine, and stone are used with precision, while operable glazing ensures transparency to the landscape. The result is a house that shields from noise and clutter yet stays connected, offering sanctuary without retreat.

The staircase is finished in travertine, a stone known for its soft variations of beige, cream, and taupe. Light shifts across the textured surface, highlighting its natural warmth and subtle patterning. The material grounds the stair in an earthy palette while keeping the space refined.

Images from: Timothy Kaye

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