In Adelaide, a 1925 bungalow that was sinking at the corners became the starting point for a major addition that leans hard into masonry craft. Designed by Archaea for longtime clients, the new work takes its cues from a childhood yo-yo, using curved forms and an atrium layout to separate public and private zones while pulling light deeper into the plan.
The standout detail for mason contractors is a soaring 5.6-meter-high brick barrel vault, described as a modern interpretation of Catalan-inspired masonry traditions. The vault was tied to the project’s core concept early, with Powell Bricklaying and builder Custom Built Projects involved from the outset, reinforcing a familiar lesson on complex masonry geometry: bring the bricklaying team into the conversation before drawings lock.
Material selection played a big role in the final effect. Granular, dry-pressed bricks were chosen so sunlight shifts across the surface throughout the day, creating visible depth in the curved work. For crews, that puts a premium on consistency in line, bond, and joint work, since the vault’s scale and lighting make every variation easy to spot.
Beyond the vault, the project layers in stone and concrete details, including a Palladiana-style benchtop made from salvaged marble and stone from Adelaide Cement Works set into an organic pink concrete form. The home also uses lime-based paints and leans on passive design choices such as minimal west-facing glass, plus hydronic heating and cooling for year-round comfort.
Outside, a curved concrete bench and a minty-green gate carry the project’s playful arcs into the streetscape, while the brick vault peeks above the carport, putting masonry front and center in a neighborhood view.
Read the full, original article from ArchitectureAu here.