Sunday Home by Architecture Architecture: A Serene Urban Sanctuary of Light, Space, and Texture

Sunday Home by Architecture Architecture reimagines compact urban living by blending spatial diversity, architectural clarity, and emotional warmth. Located on a modest 175m² site in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy, this residence was designed with the intention to support psychological and physical well-being through an intentional choreography of spaces—social and private, generous and intimate, open and enclosed.

A Spatial Grid That Encourages Balance

To address the challenges of limited space, the architects developed a meticulous layout strategy: the home is zoned into three north-south bands (communal, outdoor, private) and further divided into east-west bands (generous, intimate). This grid creates six unique spatial typologies, such as communal/generous and private/intimate, offering residents a dynamic yet calming environment that adapts to different moods and functions throughout the day.

Courtyard as the Heart of the Home

The design treats the courtyard not merely as a backyard but as an essential "outdoor room" that connects all realms of the house. Framed by clerestory glazing, expressed timber beams, and continuous concrete pavers, the courtyard dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior. It provides natural light, cross ventilation, and visual harmony throughout the home.

Bright yellow finishes—used in both a sunken lounge and bathtub—act as vibrant anchors that connect indoor spaces across the garden, inspired by the expressive color palette of architect Luis Barragán.

Natural Light, Privacy & Connection

Clever architectural detailing ensures the home remains private without sacrificing light or openness. Obscured clerestory windows filter northern sunlight while shielding views of neighboring buildings. Breeze-block walls subtly separate functional zones while allowing glimpses and airflow, fostering a continuous spatial dialogue throughout the compact dwelling.

Embracing Ritual Through Architecture

One of the home’s boldest moves is the lack of an internal hallway to the bedroom. Instead, residents walk through an open-air courtyard—introducing a tactile, contemplative moment in daily routines. This intentional separation enhances privacy while reinforcing the home’s relationship with the outdoors. Weather, in this design, becomes an active participant in daily life—making every crossing a sensory experience.

Materiality & Influences

The material palette celebrates raw textures and longevity. Inspired by the tropical modernism of Geoffrey Bawa and the robust warmth of Paul Couch homes, the residence uses minimal surface treatments, allowing natural materials to age gracefully. The earthy bricks, warm-toned timbers, and terracotta accents echo a broader ethos of timeless, tactile architecture that is both functional and poetic.

Sunday Home stands as a thoughtful example of small-space residential architecture where light, nature, and materiality converge. It's not just a house; it’s a carefully calibrated system of experiences—designed to promote mindfulness, delight, and domestic ritual. In balancing economy of means with richness of spatial and emotional expression, the home offers a model for how contemporary architecture can elevate the everyday.

All the photographs are works of Tom Ross