Cantilevered homes carry a striking appeal: the sight of a substantial mass projecting outward, appearing to float over space, always captures attention. Studley Park House in Melbourne, designed by March Studio, is a fine contemporary example of this approach. The design balances a bold cantilevered upper level with a dark, dramatic façade and carefully considered details that give the house a distinctive presence on the street.
The house is deliberately set toward the rear of the lot so the upper level can cantilever forward, extending the living mass above the public realm while creating sheltered outdoor space below. This placement not only supports the dramatic visual of the cantilever but also produces a layered relationship between street, garden and home that reinforces privacy without isolating the property from its surroundings.
A defining exterior feature is the timber dowel screen and plank work that wraps portions of the façade. This crafted “privacy fence” of wooden dowels and planks filters views and light, offering both security and a tactile, layered aesthetic. A circular window punctuates the frontage and becomes a memorable focal point, while strategically placed greenery softens the house-to-street edge and provides an additional visual buffer.
Inside, the ground floor prioritizes an open-plan arrangement that encourages fluid interaction between living, dining and kitchen zones. This layout responds to the clients’ emphasis on family life and entertaining, allowing indoor and outdoor areas to connect easily during daily routines and social gatherings. Large glazed openings and considered sightlines reinforce that connection, making the ground floor feel bright, spacious and welcoming.
The private areas—bedrooms and bathrooms—are located on the upper floor, where design choices emphasize personal retreat and separation when needed. Throughout the interior, a restrained palette of black, white and accents of green unifies rooms and lends a contemporary, cohesive atmosphere. Pops of color and unexpected elements—such as a plush pink sofa framed by the round window—introduce playful moments without detracting from the overall calm modernity.
Practical touches—such as careful room zoning, abundant natural light and a balance between open shared spaces and private retreats—reflect an astute response to the needs of a growing family. The design anticipates evolving family dynamics, offering communal areas for togetherness on the ground level and more private, adaptable spaces upstairs for independence as children grow.
Material choices and detailing—timber dowel screens, metal elements and carefully considered finishes—give the project texture and depth. In the bathroom, for example, bright red floor tiles introduce a bold contrast to otherwise understated surfaces, while warm evening lighting animates the façades and interior spaces, enhancing the house’s presence after dark.
The client’s focus on their young family and entertaining is reflected through the ground floor where the relationship between indoor and outdoor living and cooking is fluid and interconnected. While the upper floor of the home aims to prepare the family for the later stages of their children’s lives, where the option for privacy and separation will become as important as the values of shared space.
Photographs by Peter Bennetts document the considered composition of form, material and landscape that make Studley Park House a compelling contemporary family home—one that balances dramatic architectural gestures with everyday livability and privacy.