Ripple
CURVES IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES /
CURVES IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES /
Ripple is a bold, sculptural home designed for longevity and ease of living. The client’s vision was clear: a forever home with zero maintenance, where all essential living is contained on the ground floor. They wanted a home with its own identity—one that would stand independently from the original semi-detached dwelling.
The facade is a striking composition of dark vertical fins and rippled metal cladding, wrapping the upper level in a sculptural form that contrasts beautifully with the grounded light brick base. Curved architectural elements soften the form while maintaining a strong, structured presence. A recessed entry draws you inward, creating a natural sense of arrival.
Ripple embraces sculptural and fluid forms. Curves and angles work together to create an organic architectural language, with the facade directing the eye toward the entry and light well above. The design breaks away from generic council rules by adapting to the site’s unique shape and orientation, rotating the frontage to engage with the approach rather than face the street.
This ambitious design was achieved using simple, cost-effective materials. Brickwork, one of the most common materials, was reimagined to create texture, patterns, and curves. Corrugated metal cladding, chosen for its flexibility and affordability, enabled the curved facade while requiring no repainting or ongoing maintenance.
Upon entering, a double-height void welcomes visitors with light and volume. This feature filters daylight throughout the levels and visually connects to the private garden. Curves guide movement through the house, while windows create dynamic shifts in light and shadow throughout the day. Interior and exterior forms are seamlessly integrated—curved ceilings, bulkheads, and joinery echo the external sculptural form, making even the island bench and fireplace appear light and floating.
The interior is functional, accessible, and timeless—monumental in presence, like stone or a natural cave. A neutral palette of limestone paint, marble-look tiles, concrete, and timber grounds the space. All ground floor rooms are wheelchair accessible, and biophilic design connects interior spaces with surrounding greenery. The external ripples continue inside, fluid and sculptural.
In the kitchen the sculptural concrete island is dedicated to entertaining. Service zones are tucked to the side with a sleek black benchtop integrating the induction cooktop. The kitchen’s cleaning zone faces a green wall, and the pantry provides ample storage and prep space. Curved bulkheads and dropped ceilings define the kitchen while housing essential services.
The living area embraces the northern courtyard, blurring the line between indoors and out. Full-height double-glazed UPvC lift-and-slide doors from Inframe offer excellent energy performance. Deep eaves shade the interior in summer and allow winter sun in. Minimal south-facing glazing improves insulation, with carefully placed openings to enable cross ventilation and frame garden views. The kitchen and fireplace anchor the space, and lighting was carefully designed with Richmond Lighting to enhance artworks and architectural elements.
Located at the rear for privacy, the north-facing master suite opens onto a verandah. The ensuite and WIR flow seamlessly for efficient circulation. The shower is cave-like and open—no glass, minimal grout. Heated towel rails by Roger Seller are a client favourite. Large marble-look tiles offer a timeless, stone-like appearance, and reinforced walls ensure long-term accessibility.
