Matyas Architects & Interiors combines work and play with ease in their innovative conception of an architects own home office. “It was key for us to create an apartment and studio space that was inviting, welcoming, cosy and warm so we can enjoy our time here – my wife, our cocker spaniel and myself,” says John Matyas, director at architecture firm Matyas Architects & Interiors and principal architect of 264 Bay Street Brighton.

Located in a mixed-use area in Brighton, an inner-city suburb just south of Melbourne’s CBD, 264 Bay Street Brighton is an architects own home and studio that complements the combination of commercial, residential and retail spaces found in the area. Originally seeking to build a new office for the firm, they decided to build an architects own home studio from scratch. “The vision was always to have the home and office in the same building, which allows us to spend more time together as a family,” says John.

From the street, one is met with an abundance of greenery, which also creates a distinct separation from the inner-city streetscape. “A key design consideration in making this truly a home was to create a tree transition from the public footpath area to the front entry of the home,” says John. “It gives us a separation from the street, it softens the building and it makes it feel welcoming.”

Upon entry, a set of stairs leads up to the first floor that houses the studio in an architects own home. Here, one is met with a large entry bench built to act as a functional space for casual meetings but also a breakout space for the team to spread out and collaborate. “The open-plan office has two meeting rooms to the right, borrowing an abundance of natural light and greenery from the north-facing terrace,” says Nina Matyas, director of interior design. “These rooms can be separated or opened up to create one larger space just by moving the sliding doors into the studio space.”

The apartment is housed above the studio and is separated into two distinct zones. “There is the open-plan living and kitchen area, which features high ceilings and clear views in the north direction to the terrace and, in the south direction, to the internal courtyard,” says John. Meanwhile, the bedroom space feels distinctly different, with lower ceilings and softer furnishings making it a more cosy and intimate space for the family to retreat to.

Materials influence both the form and the feel of 264 Bay Street Brighton. Using concrete as a central part of the building’s architecture allows for curves while choosing to use a smaller format blockwork allows the creation of uneven surfaces and moments of texture. Similarly, the interior design and decor of the space draw on an understated palette of materials. The choice of warm materials like light oak timber flooring, soft furnishings and sheer curtains imbues a sense of quiet luxury.

The result is an architects own unique home and studio space that feels tranquil and inviting – a joy to live in and a joy to work in. “I am very proud of how it reflects what we do as a studio and what you can do on a tight commercial site when it's well-considered,” notes John.

00:00 - Introduction to the Architects Own Home and Studio
01:19 - The Original Vision
01:51 - Key Design Considerations
02:22 - A Walkthrough of the Home and Studio
03:20 - Zoning of the Home
03:51 - The Robust and Understated Material Palette
04:44 - Favourite Aspects and Proud Moments

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Photography by Alex Reinders.
Architecture, interior design and styling by Matyas Architects & Interiors.
Build by Hendco.
Landscape by Le Page Design.
Engineering by Maurice Farrugia & Associates.
Joinery by Planera.
Filmed and edited by Ryan Wehi.
Production by The Local Production.

Location: Brighton, Victoria, Australia

The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

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