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In the 1950s, a large back yard with a hoist clothesline was a predictable feature of any new home. But as needs change, so too does architecture. A new home today is far more likely to reflect an increased emphasis on lifestyle.
Smaller sites and adaptable living spaces are all part of this trend, says architectural designer Ross Santa Maria.
"As people yearn to live closer and closer to the inner city, large blocks are carved up to allow better, more efficiently designed homes," he says. "Most working couples choose to spend more time in cafes than in the back yard - and architecture needs to reflect this."
Santa Maria's own home typifies this trend. It's also indicative of the move towards more adventurous architecture where a "feel good" component is an essential part of the design, he says.
"There is a greater freedom of expression today than in the past. This extends to choice of colours and individual interior styles."
Santa Maria says he wanted to create something different with the design of this house, built in a neighbourhood of mainly post-war bungalows. Its multi-layered, multicoloured front facade was designed to represent an abstract mini-village.
"Overlapping the different elements of the facade also creates a three-dimensional effect," he says.
Despite the small site, outdoor entertaining is not sacrificed. Indented exterior walls help to maximise the space available outside. The north side of the house is also angled at 45* to the boundary which creates room for the main courtyard and swimming pool. Part of the outdoor area is enclosed by a canopy that functions as both a sun shade and an insect screen.
"This does away with the need for fly-screen doors," says Santa Maria.
Feng shui principles played a key role in the design. There are three water areas, for example - a fish pond at the front entrance, a contemporary-style fountain off the living room, and the main pool.
Other major influences in the design of the interior were adaptability and modern-day comfort, says Santa Maria.
"The interior is based on the old saying that you can only be in one room at the one time. For example, we have the option of joining rooms to create one large area, or closing doors for smaller, more private spaces."
The dining, family and living rooms can all be linked by opening the French doors. This provides a large space, ideal for entertaining. In addition, there are commercial-grade, operable doors in the living room which can be used to close off part of the room to make a guest room with a bed that folds out from the wall. An adjacent powder room can become a guest ensuite or a pool shower and toilet facility.
Further adaptability is evident in the kitchen, where a mobile island bench doubles as a servery unit. The adjoining family room has a long audiovisual cabinet which has a table attached. This table can be swivelled to link up with the formal dining table to seat up to 12 people for large dinner parties.
A void in the centre of the house soars the full height of the three storeys. A cantilevered spiral staircase and curved mezzanine balustrading add a strong visual element.
The second storey houses three bedrooms including the master bedroom, which opens to an internal balcony overlooking the void. This floor also has a study gallery which can accommodate three desks.
The cantilevered stairs lead to a fully equipped gymnasium on the top level. A similar loft space exists on the opposite side of the house, reached by a pull-down ladder.
"The house is riddled with secret doors and storage enclosures that maximise the aesthetics and are also practical," says Santa Maria.
Creature comforts are also a priority for this new generation of homeowners. Ducted air conditioning and tailored audiovisual systems are par for the course.
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