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Heavyweight housing tends to have
a bad name. Many of the blockbuster
variety pay scant regard to their
neighbours. They stand out for plenty
of the wrong reasons. The better variety
make a thoughtful, sculptural mark
that speaks of musculature elegance
rather than bulk and blob.
Melbourne architect Gary Catt has more than a few
decades experience honing his design blade to a
fine edge. Nowhere is this better exemplified than
the firm’s mighty windows-as-walls that culminate in
an all-round sensation planted, rather than transplanted,
into its setting.
Preferring the bespoke to off-the-shelf, Catt steers an
altogether different course. In the process his bravura
design reveals an architect skilled in the organisation
and arrangement of big ideas. Notably it’s windows
and glazing that herald a house full of design wonder
and surprise.
Not least, Paarhammer’s windows which are crafted
from local materials in the best European traditions.
Viridian performance glazing and locally sourced
timbers rise in a show-stopping ensemble.
Dressed up and ready to go, his design of soaring
volumes, tuned materiality and clever connections
produces a home of impact and light-filled delicacy.
High, wide and handsome, it pays full regard to its
key elevations ensuring the back door with its heroic
port-cochere is every bit as impressive and artful as
its street-frontage.
PROJECT
Hawthorn Residence, Melbourne
ARCHITECTS
Gary Catt, CATT Architects
PRINCIPAL GLAZING
Viridian EnergyTech ™
TEXT, IMAGES & FILM
Peter & Jenny Hyatt