The elegance of a black building exterior, once the domain of Japanese architecture alone, has increasingly gained traction due to remarkable architects creating incredible projects. Whether using black to soften the project into nature or to create a startling contrast, the tone is very much at the cutting edge of
Like an all-white exterior, black is only perfect when every element is concise, every detail aligned and all surface variations even. When architects get this right, the result is breathtaking. See our 8 examples below.
1. Portsea House, architecture and interiors by Wood Marsh
Approaching Portsea House, one might mistake the structure’s curved walls and dark timber upper level cladding for a museum. And rightly so, this is a grand house of sweeping scale and majestic presence, where black timber creates both contrast and a muted softness.
In recurring acts of balance, this
2. Keep House by BKK Architects
The styles of the medieval castle keep were a key inspiration for
Along the corner of the block, Keep House is an elongated shape bent into a squared-off C, dividing the home into three wings. The curved frontage leaves a triangular, pocket courtyard, defined by the native foliage weaving through the site.
3. Bundanon Art Museum by Kerstin Thompson Architects
Responding to Bundanon as both subject and site of Arthur Boyd’s work, the building seeks to heighten the visitor’s appreciation for the sights, sounds, textures, and ecological workings of the landscape.
Dubbed the ‘Bridge’, the 160-metre-long and nine-metre-wide structure spans the gully of the historic site on the New South Wales South Coast: “The design is driven by Bundanon’s main BUNDANON ART MUSEUM imperative, as established by the Boyd family, to foster an appreciation for and understanding of landscape and art. We have placed the site’s ecology at the centre of the design with the new suite of buildings and landscapes,” says Kerstin Thompson, director,
4. Humble House by R Architecture
Clad in Spanish black slate shingle the simple geometry of the pavilions of Humble House is deftly articulated. Delivering a classic flow from outside to the interior the shingle cladding spills into the home to coalesce with abundant greenery to enhance a feeling of openness from within, while also stitching pavilions together.
“To celebrate the client’s ceramic works, the interior spaces create moments to celebrate the art made in the studio,” says Gaurav of
“From the sense of expanse created by the skylights of the paved walkway, to the courtyard voids between pavilions that burst with clusters of wild flowers, the lines, light, and reflective properties of materials used provide a connected, dynamic experience in every nook of the project,” Gaurav concludes.
5. Beach House Blues by Corke Design Studio
“It is well suited to this coastal project, due to its durability and low maintenance, but is also aesthetically subtle, raw and unobtrusive; making it perfect for Lorne,” continues Kate. “A material that feels quite subtle externally; letting the natural environment do the work but yet also feels quite dramatic internally.”
6. Feather House by Irving Smith Architects
Feather House by
Feather House is a home that looks outward not inward. The colour palette is informed by the materials and the landscape, with a recessive white base, warm timber hues, concrete grey and accents of black that help define spaces and encourage a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The black building exterior of the home blends with the natural surroundings, however the design ensures that it is also a distinctive form in itself.
7. Thornbury House by Dan Gayfer Design
The overall palette of materials in the house is modest and textured with the use of mosaic tile, porcelain and white terrazzo in the kitchen. This somewhat muted palette is then perfectly complemented by the darker more striking tones of the blackbutt timber veneer.
“It is important to note that most of these materials are repeated throughout the house ensuring that this unique collection of colours, finishes and textures can be experienced in more than one space,” Gayfer of
Moreover, as Thornbury is home to numerous architectural styles – Art Deco and Inter-war homes included, the architect elected to move beyond the area’s contextual influence: “We borrowed from the canon of mid-century modern design, particularly features found in post war Melbourne,” he explains. “Or more specifically, characteristics that would be more advantageous for the project in regards to aesthetics, functionality and energy performance.”
8. Split-Stone Chalet by Mim Design
Inspired by the change of seasons and how the landscape of Hotham responds, the design of
The residence encompasses two three-level townhouses with sweeping views over the snowy slopes, flexible living spaces, and ski-in ski-out opportunities.
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