Past Meets Present
Blending into its heritage streetscape, Proclamation House combines character, comfort, clean lines and contemporaneity.
ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS + BUILD State of Kin • LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Tristan Peirce • IMAGERY Jack Lovel • WORDS Elizabeth Clarke
For anyone with an eye for the relationship between architecture and environment, there’s something fascinating about how a contemporary home fits into a heritage streetscape. Proclamation House, designed by architect Ara Salomone and interior designer Alessandra French from Perth firm State of Kin, does just this. A modern interpretation of the area's traditional character homes, its monolithic, cave-like structure engages politely with its conservative streetscape, introducing an element of intrigue to its quiet Subiaco street.
“It’s an expressive home that responds to Subiaco’s local vernacular with an abstract hand,” says Alessandra. “Its sculptural silhouette marks its presence amid a varied streetscape, referencing the proportions, pitched volumes and generous setbacks of the suburb’s archetypal character homes.”
At first glance, you would be forgiven for assuming its finish is concrete, but it is, in fact, encased in a hemp-based render, comprising lime and hemp. It provides a remarkable strength and solidity to the home’s design: a blend of luxury, clean lines, consummate comfort, and contemporary vigour. Flanked by peppermint trees and pushed back from the main street, its facade of angles and swooping curves is bathed in olive hemp accented by vast, crisp angular aluminium frames that surround the front glass doors and entranceway.
The exterior of the house seamlessly transitions into soaring double-height interiors, creating a sense of light and openness. The olive-toned render connects the outside with the inside. The layout of the house is both simple and complex, thoughtfully designed around a central abstract pool and a sunken lounge, which is surrounded by soft custom render, timber, and crazy pavers, providing a cocoon-like atmosphere. The north-facing outdoor space optimises natural light, flooding the family’s living areas with sunlight while considered angular openings purposefully frame native trees outside.
“We were inspired by Alain de Botton's book The Architecture of Happiness, which emphasises that a home should not only serve functional needs but also reflect the values and identities of its occupants,” says Alessandra. “This concept played a key role in shaping the design of Proclamation House. With our clients being a professional couple living with an ageing yet independent parent, we considered the dynamics of cohabitation. The design was crafted to honour the distinct identities and needs of each individual while creating a sense of harmony and cohesion throughout the space.”
Inside, a steep lightwell descends from the pitched roof creating luminous projections with the building’s angular forms. The ground floor features the master bedroom, which opens onto the front courtyard, along with a second bedroom and the family’s living areas. The home is designed to serve two purposes: as a private haven and an entertainment space.
“It’s a home that goes beyond functioning just as a shelter, instead acting as a true sanctuary, fostering comfort, belonging, and happiness for all who live there,” says Alessandra.
Various-sized areas and cosy nooks provide flexibility for both functions. The mezzanine overlooks the kitchen and dining area, serving as a home office and guest room. The kitchen is situated beneath striking geometric structures and the hovering mezzanine level and balcony. Its expansive, rock-like island bench, finished in hemp plaster, anchors the space. Brushed nickel tapware and seamless Modulnova cabinetry enhance the understated style, which is punctuated simply yet effectively by a pair of burgundy Cassina stools.
The furniture showcases bold Italian designs and large-scale art pieces that enhance the raw, earthy environment without overwhelming it, contributing to a sense of place and peace. Combined with dramatic lighting, abstract angles and connection to its outdoor space, Proclamation House is itself a work of art.
Raw appeal. Proclamation House’s exterior palette highlights the beauty of custom hemp render, concrete, glass and crazy paving.
The outdoor patio grounded by crazy paving features a Kettal Giro armchair, sofa, coffee table and side tables.
Stunning aluminium frames the home’s entryway and provides a dynamic contrast to the custom hemp plaster used throughout.
The materials of the walls are brought to life by shadow and light, imbuing contrast in the building. A standing mirror by Glas Italia bounces light around the living space.
The living area looks out onto an outdoor space. The furnishings by Cassina are comfy and chic, and include a modular sofa, armchairs, coffee table and red lacquer console.
A soaring skylight floods the family’s communal area with dramatic light.
A horizontal light by Davide Groppi divides the seating nook from the kitchen. The sculptural island bench is swathed in a custom render blend and is paired with burgundy Cassina stools. The cabinetry is by Modulnova at Ultimo Interiors.
Next to the kitchen, a sitting area embraces a Cassina modular sofa and Cassina red and blue armchair. An Astep table lamp casts reflected and diffused light from its adjustable spotlight directed upwards towards a reflecting screen.
The stairwell leading to the mezzanine level features Zuccari tiles. A Cassina serving cart can be seen in the background.
In the office, a timeless Indochine swivel chair steals focus. Designed in 1943 by Charlotte Perriand, it is reinterpreted by Cassina in tubular metal ensuring it stays true to the original design.
The master suite is designed as a sanctuary for the couple and looks directly into the ensuite.
Striking architecture and lush greenery collide on the rooftop.
The geometrically shaped pool features Artedomus tiles and is surrounded by timber decking from Austim.
The luxury of this home stems from its quality of design and attention to detail.
The home is designed as the ultimate entertainer and includes an outdoor space that revolves around a timber-topped fire pit.
Generous curves accentuated in custom hemp render combine with sharp aluminium angles to stunning effect.
"It’s a home that goes beyond functioning just as a shelter, instead acting as a true sanctuary, fostering comfort, belonging, and happiness for all who live there.”
—ALESSANDRA FRENCH, State of Kin
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