Kernan Residence, Strathmore Home, Modern Melbourne House, Australian Contemporary Architecture Photos
Kernan Residence in Strathmore, Victoria
8 October 2025
Architects: pcg. Architects
Location: Strathmore, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Photos by Matthew Mallett
Kernan Residence, Melbourne
The Kernan Residence is conceived as an exploration of concrete as both structure and symbol. Responding to a client brief that sought to foreground the material in all its forms, the project positions concrete not simply as construction but as narrative — a direct reflection of the client’s family business and their desire for active engagement in the building process.
Externally, the architecture is defined by tilt-up concrete panels, cast with an abstracted bamboo relief. These panels establish the house’s primary identity: simultaneously monumental and ornamental, their industrial weight is tempered by the organic imprint of nature. This motif is not restricted to the exterior; instead, it permeates the interiors, establishing a continuity that deliberately destabilises the conventional boundary between outside and inside.
The interior celebrates concrete’s versatility. A floating white concrete stair becomes both sculptural and functional, expressing the paradox of mass and lightness. A double-height living volume connects the ground floor to the first, opening seamlessly to a courtyard and pool. Natural light is harnessed to animate the concrete surfaces, offsetting their density and reinforcing the spatial interplay of solidity and openness.
Timber is introduced as a counterpoint, softening the palette and balancing the otherwise robust expression. The result is a house that situates concrete at the centre of domestic architecture — at once raw, refined, and deeply personal.
The media kit highlights concrete as central to the Kernan Residence, not just as a material but as a “narrative” reflecting the client’s family business. Could you elaborate on how this narrative influenced the design process and the specific choices made regarding concrete’s application, both structurally and aesthetically?
Early in briefing stages of the project, the design intent was for concrete to be celebrated in a way that reflected the nature of the client’s business. This presented an opportunity to incorporate the material all throughout the design – not only externally as a visual feature but also carried through internally as a defining identity for the home.
This provided the base for the exterior and interior material palette, whilst at the same time providing the structural composition which would reinforce the material into the design. This meant it was necessary to introduce a contrasting material which would offset the concrete and bring the warmth and texture. The act of casting a stylised pattern of bamboo into the concrete was not only to showcase the skills of the client but also provoke a curiosity by imprinting nature into a solid, monumental structure.
The design deliberately destabilizes the conventional boundary between outside and inside, with the bamboo motif permeating the interiors and seamless connections to the courtyard. What was the intention behind this approach, and how does it enhance the living experience within the Kernan Residence?
The concrete used throughout the home develops a consistency to the design which remains true to concept. With the continuation of the bamboo cast into the concrete internally, the occupants are immersed in a home that celebrates their personal narrative. By embracing this strategy, the design is successful in maintaining a strong dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces in a way that is often overlooked.
The interior showcases concrete’s versatility, from a “floating white concrete stair” to its interaction with natural light, while timber is introduced as a “counterpoint.” How did you explore concrete’s diverse applications within the home, and what was the design philosophy behind using timber to balance its robust expression?
Concrete is inherently versatile. When working with skilled trades and a project team that have a respect and appreciation for design, the outcome is more likely to be successful.
Our project team were willing to go the extra mile to realise the potential of the home which meant we were able to incorporate complex castings in tilt-up panels, floating white concrete stairs and polished floors that extend to the exterior. While the concrete was the hero of the design, the interior and exterior architecture are strengthened by the tension created by the presence of timber to reinforce the natural material palette. Adding the timber to the interiors also serve as an acknowledgement of not only the protective qualities but also the nurturing and healing properties of nature.
Kernan Residence in Strathmore, Victoria – Building Information
Design: pcg. Architects – https://www.pcgarchitects.com.au/
Project size: 595 sqm
Site size: 766 sqm
Completion date: 2019
Building levels: 2
Photography: Matthew Mallett
Kernan Residence, Strathmore Melbourne images / information received 081025
Location: Strathmore, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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