Hot Top Peak House by FIGR Architecture & Design

Nestled in Melbourne's dynamic Richmond suburb, the Hot Top Peak House by FIGR Architecture & Design is a compact residential experiment in urban densification. Sitting on a tight 175 m² site with dual street frontages, the 106 m² home challenges conventional renovation typologies by offering a modular and flexible living arrangement that’s both efficient and expressive.

Context and Concept

Set against a backdrop of constant city motion—bicycles, deliveries, and dense traffic—the home responds with calm clarity. Unlike typical rear extensions that add open-plan spaces, this design introduces distinct zones connected by a central kitchen and dining hub. The layout anticipates multi-generational living and potential dual occupancy, promoting long-term adaptability and rental opportunity.

Design Strategy

The narrow site is maximized through a linear plan, where the kitchen acts as a spatial hinge between the private and communal areas. Each half of the house takes on a unique identity while staying connected via the shared nucleus. Materially, a rich contrast unfolds—timber, concrete, and pale finishes guide circulation and emphasize transitions.

Spotted gum plywood wraps the central kitchen, anchoring the spatial journey and delivering a tactile warmth that complements the home’s sculptural quality. Color accents throughout the interiors express the clients' passion for vibrant art, adding personal character to every corner.

Light, Volume, and Atmosphere

Strategic use of light defines the atmosphere of the house. A play of compression and release, with varying ceiling heights and volumetric shifts, introduces theatrical moments and visual cues throughout. Reflections and mirrored transitions further extend perceptions of space, enhancing continuity with the exterior garden.

Material Aging and Character

The architecture embraces time as a design element. Raw materials like concrete and timber are left exposed to patina gracefully, blending the house into its character-filled urban context. The design’s restrained palette sets the stage for an evolving texture—inviting stories to accumulate with time.

Integration and Illusion

With minimal square footage, every element is intentional. Bathrooms serve as curated installations inspired by the clients’ art collection. Outdoor vistas are elongated through layered landscaping and framed apertures. This carefully choreographed interplay creates a feeling of expansiveness and depth, despite the home’s compact size.

All the photographs are works of Tom Blachford