Masterpiece Abode: Northcote House by LLDS Architects
Nestled within the dense urban fabric of Melbourne’s Westgarth, Northcote House by LLDS Architects is a striking testament to the power of innovative design and sustainable ingenuity. Once a disused car park, this compact yet sculptural home reimagines the possibilities of urban infill development, seamlessly balancing form and function within its 4.6-metre-wide footprint. Award-winning and widely celebrated, it exemplifies the potential of high-performance architecture in a cityscape that demands both sensitivity and boldness.
A Study in Sculptural Precision
The architectural expression of Northcote House is at once deeply familiar and entirely unexpected. Its fluid roofline, composed of meticulously crafted plywood ribs, floats above robust in-situ concrete walls, creating an interplay between softness and solidity. This undulating canopy is more than an aesthetic flourish—it provides both passive thermal insulation and an elevated platform for a lush green roof, a natural extension of the laneway’s ecosystem.
Inside, the interplay of texture and materiality continues. Textured concrete walls, their surfaces digitally fabricated using CNC and robotic technologies, act as thermal mass, regulating internal temperatures while enhancing the acoustic quality of the home. The same precision-driven approach extends to the staircases—a sculptural curved plywood ascent to the first floor and a tucked-away plywood staircase descending to the library and sleeping quarters below. Every detail is considered, every junction expertly resolved, resulting in a space that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive.
Sustainability at Its Core
Northcote House does not simply meet sustainability benchmarks—it redefines them. The home integrates a series of passive house principles and innovative material choices to craft an environment that is as energy-efficient as it is aesthetically compelling. Over 70 per cent of its bespoke architectural elements were manufactured within five kilometres of the site, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of construction. The thermal performance of the residence is further enhanced by the use of CNC-milled formwork for concrete, which was later repurposed as insulation within the roof structure.
The house’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond its built form. The green roof, a thriving oasis of native planting, acts as a natural insulator while filtering rainwater and providing habitat for local biodiversity. Strategically positioned skylights punctuate the ceiling, channelling light deep into the home and reducing the need for artificial illumination. At the rear, steel tubes form a striking trellis, supporting climbing greenery while providing privacy and contributing to the home’s vertical garden concept.
Crafting Atmosphere with Fire and Light
At the heart of Northcote House’s living space, the Stûv 30 Compact fireplace serves as both a sculptural centrepiece and a source of warmth and ambience. Its sleek cylindrical form harmonises with the raw materiality of the interior, offering an elegant contrast to the textured concrete and timber finishes. More than just a design feature, the Stûv 30 Compact is an innovative slow combustion fireplace equipped with a unique three-door system—transitioning from an open fire for pure enjoyment, to a glass-door mode for warmth and atmosphere, and finally to a closed-door high-efficiency setting for overnight performance. The chimney, stretching up through the central void of the sculptural staircase, enhances the dramatic experience of the unique interior, visually anchoring the fireplace as a core element of the home’s design.
A Blueprint for the Future
Northcote House is a bold statement on the future of sustainable, small-scale architecture. By championing local craftsmanship, integrating innovative materials, and embracing cutting-edge fabrication techniques, LLDS Architects have created a home that challenges conventions while enhancing liveability. A truly remarkable achievement, Northcote House stands as a testament to what’s possible when architecture, sustainability, and technology align.
Photography by Tom Ross
