Brighton House by Martin Friedrich Architects, A Sculptural, Family-Centric Home in Australia
Architecture Design of Brighton House
Description About The Project
Discover Brighton House by Martin Friedrich Architects in Brighton, Australia—a revitalized family home with sculptural concrete forms, expansive open-plan living, curved skylights, a pool and outdoor sports area, designed to bring light, joy, and energy into everyday life.
The Project “Brighton House” Information:
- Project Name: Brighton House
- Location: Brighton, Australia
- Designed by: Martin Friedrich Architects
A Bold Family Vision Transformed into Architecture
In Brighton, Australia, a young family with three children sought more than a conventional renovation. The original 1930s house had been updated in the 1980s, but it felt dark, confined, and disconnected from the family’s dynamic lifestyle. The clients approached Martin Friedrich Architects with a vision: a home that is playful, modern, and full of energy.
“Our brief was to create a home that reflects the life and spirit of the family—vibrant, open, and fun,” the architects explained to Luxury Houses Magazine. “We wanted every space to feel generous, light-filled, and connected to the outdoors.”
What began as a renovation quickly evolved into a near-complete rebuild, with the existing structure only serving as a faint outline.
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Sculptural Exterior: Curves, Concrete, and Contrasts
The façade is striking, featuring a sweeping two-storey curved section cast in place concrete. This sculptural form defines the balcony and entry canopy while emphasizing the home’s unique character. Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across two levels, letting natural light flood the interiors. A bold band of black Japanese oak slices through the white render, creating contrast and rhythm across the façade.
“We treated the exterior as a three-dimensional canvas, allowing the building itself to express the family’s personality and lifestyle,” the architects noted.
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Open-Plan Interiors and Light-Filled Spaces
Inside, the home has been transformed into an open, luminous environment. Narrow corridors and low ceilings were removed in favor of generous, flowing spaces. A two-storey atrium forms the heart of the home, anchoring the formal lounge and piano room, while connecting all main areas visually and spatially.
The main living area combines dining, lounge, and kitchen in one fluid zone. Custom joinery lines the walls, offering both function and aesthetic interest. A floor-to-ceiling window curves over the space as a skylight, filling the home with soft daylight. Polished concrete floors extend seamlessly to timber decking, blurring indoor and outdoor boundaries.
“Our goal was to make light and movement central to the home’s experience,” the architects explained. “Every corner is designed to feel connected, playful, and alive.”
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Outdoor Living for Family and Fun
Brighton House prioritizes active family life with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. A grassy play zone includes a small cricket pitch, alongside a combined basketball and netball court. The infinity-edge pool and adjacent wave-style pool house provide both recreation and relaxation. These spaces extend the home’s energy outdoors, creating a balance between activity and serenity.
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Sculptural Staircases and Curved Details
Inside, a custom spiral staircase becomes a sculptural centerpiece. Black treads contrast against the white surround, tying in with other dark accents throughout the home. A circular skylight above filters natural light down to the entry level. Upstairs, bedrooms and bathrooms echo the design’s emphasis on curves, natural light, and fluidity, with unique features like half-circle windows and curved tile walls enhancing privacy and elegance.
“We wanted every design element to feel purposeful yet playful, contributing to a joyful, dynamic home environment,” the architects shared.
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A Joyful, Light-Filled Home
Brighton House exemplifies how contemporary architecture can support family life, energy, and wellbeing. By embracing curves, light, and openness, Martin Friedrich Architects have created a home that is alive with movement and personality—spaces that feel both intimate and expansive, indoors and out.
Every decision—from sculptural concrete to skylights, play areas, and pools—reflects a design approach where function, aesthetics, and family life coalesce into a joyful, modern home.
Photo credit: Derek Swalwell and Martin Friedrich | Source: Martin Friedrich Architects
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: Level 1/150a Barkly St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
– Tel: +61 3 9380 7709
– Email: office@mf-arch.com.au
More Projects in Australia here:
- Mosman House by SAOTA, Sculpted Contemporary Home on Steep Slope
- Sanctuary by Latitude 37, Australia’s Award-Winning Display Home Blends Modern Luxury with Tranquil Living
- The Ashbourne House by Jared Poole Design, A Waterfront Masterpiece in Carrara
- Surfside House in Australia by Richard Cole Architecture
- Brighton Whyte House by Minett Studio Architecture
