Armadale Residence by b.e architecture

Photo by Peter Clarke.

Photo by Derek Swalwell.

Photo by Peter Clarke.

Photo by Derek Swalwell.

Armadale Residence is a stone paradox. This three-storey home in Melbourne has a rough, scale-like exterior skin made from 260 tonnes of bubbled dove grey granite – but even so, there’s still a resounding cloud-like softness to the hefty grit. It floats in its surrounds – sunlight refracts across the textured façade and blurs the hard, boxy lines of the house. It’s a pretty clever contradiction that makes the residence strong and striking without being stark and unfeeling.

The home is the work of Melbourne’s b.e architecture – and granite is a big feature from the outside in. Three different types are spread throughout: the exterior split-faced granite blocks run inside unifying outdoors and indoors, and while the materials are all substantial, when used together, there is evenness throughout the house. To achieve these sort of paradoxical hard slash soft surfaces, b.e integrated architectural detailing with fine craftsmanship by builders and stone masons. The stone has subtle variations and intricate details, and has been moulded to fit for different functions. The home pushes the boundaries of granite too – in the extra-large master ensuite is a seamless, smooth custom bath and basin were engineered from solid blocks of stone.

Photo by Peter Clarke.

Photo by Derek Swalwell.

Photo by Peter Clarke.

Photo by Derek Swalwell.

Photo by Peter Clarke.

Each room has been purpose-built to meet the homeowner’s needs – a shared study, and then the lavish, spacious ensuite, which opens out onto a private outdoor shower and courtyard dotted with Japanese maples. There’s a playfulness in the interiors too, making all the stone feel human and forgiving. The main living area has an eclectic mix of furnishings, combining classic designer items, vintage finds, and custom-made pieces. There’s also a custom 4m ring light made from hundreds of maroon, violet, olive, and snow coloured discs, and a series of perspex boxes, which double as a coffee table.

As well as a large custom built dining table made for entertaining, there is built-in olive green velvet sofa and large walk-in pantry. Layered over the top are artworks by David Noonan, Mark Hilton, Heather B. Swann, and Imants Tillers. These works were handpicked by b.e and installed in a way that might encourage conversation and add something different to the experience of the house.