OSWALD Homes’ latest custom-built home Oak Park was inspired by the “Urban Prairie” style made popular by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 20th century.
Principal designer Brook Leber said the style was perfect for tree-lined boulevards in leafy suburbs close to the city.
“We’ve taken inspiration from the original iconic architecture to create a lighter, more modern take on the style,” he said.
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READ NOW“Decorative panels and columns in brick or stone still feature strongly in the design, but today they contrast with light-coloured sections of wall that add a contemporary freshness.
“The style’s signature deep roof overhangs, cantilevered sections and extended eaves provide shade from the summer sun, while the slate roofs of old have been swapped for contemporary dark-coloured roof tiles and the traditional stucco has been replaced with modern render.”
Mr Leber said the Oak Park in Nedlands was a true representation of the style and could easily appear in a leafy Chicago suburb.
“The home is arranged over three floors and was designed to work in harmony with the steeply sloping site,” he said.
“The cantilevered roof section, simplistic tiled roof and strong horizontal elements of the home perfectly complement the leafy streetscape and parkland views.”
The home’s external colour palette has been kept neutral to ensure the windows and feature stone work create a striking facade. The contrast between neutral and dark colours continues inside, where dark oak flooring is paired with a fresh neutral wall colour.
Taupe stone-look porcelain tiles in the living areas are accompanied by dark timber veneer and white vinyl wrap cabinetry.
The home was designed to suit multi-generational living and a deluxe suite at the front of the home is ideal for guests or grandparents.
It includes a large bedroom with a retreat, roomy walk-in robe and ensuite with a bath and double vanity unit.
A den provides a separate living area.
Stairs lead up to the main living level with a gym, theatre room and spacious open-plan/living/dining/kitchen area.
“The sheer volume of these rooms combined with the natural light from the large windows to the backyard creates a sophisticated, yet welcoming and relaxed space,” Mr Leber said.
“It’s the ideal hub for the multi-generational family.”
The top floor includes another living area, with access to a balcony, three bedrooms with built-in robes, a bathroom and two powder rooms.
The master suite is also on this floor and has a large bedroom, walk-in robe, ensuite with a bath and double vanity unit and also has access to the balcony.
The home at 63 Melvista Avenue, Nedlands is open for viewing 2pm–4pm Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment.