Designed by James Russell Architects

James Russell and his team are masters of designing homes which take advantage of Queensland's sub-tropical climate and virtually melt into the surrounds. Naranga Avenue House takes this approach to the next level, creating a house which is barely there...

Naranga Avenue House Urban Homes, White Houses, Outdoor Areas, Brick Houses

Naranga Avenue is a suburban street in Florida Gardens, a canal estate typical of the Gold Coast. Developed in the '60s, the estate is familiar with the use (or perhaps, abuse) of breeze blocks. Inspired by the quirks of this '60s neighbourhood, James Russell Architects have created something of a breeze block renaissance - you haven't seen breeze blocks used like this before!

Naranga Avenue House Urban Homes, White Houses, Brick Houses, Swimming Pools

Rather than a traditional breeze block, Naranga Avenue House uses an extruded Miro brick from Austral's La Paloma range. The stunning white bricks are placed on edge to reveal the cores, making the holes - which are usually hidden - the centrepiece of the design. The Miro's rough, extruded cores make a stunning counterpoint to their crisp white colouration and the architect's minimalist details.

Naranga Avenue House: You Haven't Seen Breeze Blocks Like This Before White Houses, Brick Houses

The architect has also used a clever detail of steel columns to support the screen which means there's no need for mortar, giving the bricks the sense they are floating. In all white, they could be mistaken for polystyrene. The bricks create a veil for the house, diffusing the activities within and bathing the house in cool, dappled light.

Naranga Avenue House: You Haven't Seen Breeze Blocks Like This Before White Houses, Courtyards

Naranga Avenue House White Houses, Courtyards, Timber Kitchens

A central courtyard brings additional light and breezes into the home and creates a green focus for the otherwise minimal white spaces.

Naranga Avenue House Concrete Floors, Timber Kitchens, Dining Areas, Ceiling Fans

Naranga Avenue House: You Haven't Seen Breeze Blocks Like This Before White Houses, Timber Floors

The bricks do a lot of work in this house, they screen for privacy and security, protect the house from sun and rain while still remaining permeable to light and breezes.

Naranga Avenue House Urban Homes, Concrete Floors, Dining Areas, Lounge Suites

Naranga Avenue House White Houses, Timber Floors, Armchairs, Coffee Tables

Inside the spaces are minimal, with a refined palette of white painted steel, polished concrete, the breeze blocks peaking through, frosted and clear glass and pops of blonde timber.

Naranga Avenue House: You Haven't Seen Breeze Blocks Like This Before Timber Floors, Bathrooms, Subway Tiles, Basins, Tiles

Naranga Avenue House: You Haven't Seen Breeze Blocks Like This Before White Houses, Bathrooms, Showers, Subway Tiles, Tiles

In the bathroom, ocean blue mosaic tiles are a playful reference to the swimming pool below.

Naranga Avenue House: You Haven't Seen Breeze Blocks Like This Before Light Well

The plan is efficient, fitting four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two separate living spaces and a secure garage into approximately 200 square metres.

Naranga Avenue House: You Haven't Seen Breeze Blocks Like This Before House Plans

James Russell Architects have created a house which is barely there. The architect plays with various levels of transparency and translucency to ensure privacy and protection from the elements, while giving the illusion of infinite space and light. This would be a challenge on a remote site, but to achieve it in a typical suburban estate is masterful.

Naranga Avenue House: You Haven't Seen Breeze Blocks Like This Before

Interested in more homes that experiment with translucency? Take a look at this polycarbonate house that disappears into the surrounding vegetation. Or this fibreglass home which is 'graffitied' with a grass-like artwork.

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