Sculptor April Pine bought a modest inner-city lot in Perth, drawn to the task of developing the 179-square-metre vacant parcel. She crafted her North Perth residence to achieve a tranquil footprint, weaving circulation, storage and views together within every metre for the family daily use in home.
April prioritized privacy, natural light, and tranquility in her home design. She aimed to avoid the common issue in inner-city infill homes where they constantly overlook neighboring properties. The ground floor is designed as a secluded space, with views directed upward to the sky and inward to courtyards, ensuring privacy for April and her family.
On the upper level, the space expands to connect with the surrounding mature tree canopy. April notes that this gives the first floor a surprisingly serene, retreat-like ambiance. The calming atmosphere is further enhanced by the choice of materials, warm timber, earthy brick, terrazzo, and Japanese and Spanish ceramic tiles, rather than relying on added finishes.
April takes pride in her commitment to the material choices, especially the extensive use of timber. She extended the timber wrap around the entire building, creating a cohesive and warm appearance that would have been lost if limited to the primary elevations. This color palette was inspired by North Perth’s character, with its warm, muted tones, mature trees, aged brick, and time-worn materials.
April’s sculptures, or maquettes, are scattered throughout the house, adding texture and unique details to each space. These pieces serve as tests of proportion, balance, movement, and ideas before being developed on a larger scale. April also views the home’s design as a reflection of her transition from architecture to sculpture.
Her sculptural practice influences the contrasting lines and sharp edges throughout the house, adding depth and visual interest. Reflecting on the design, April sees a blend of both disciplines: the structured, squared elements of architecture softened by rounded, tactile, and imperfect details.
April’s home is a result of her careful planning and design. The house has a unique character, shaped by the surrounding environment and April’s own creative vision. The combination of materials and design elements has created a sense of calm and tranquility, making the house a peaceful retreat for April and her family.