A Builder's Own Mediterranean-inspired Forever Home (House Tour)

#architecture #foreverhome #houseinspiration
Entry into Arcos, the forever home of Robert and Meghan Gray designed by Joe Adsett Architects and located in Brisbane’s leafy suburb of Paddington, is through a dramatic, warmly lit, arched tunnel of rendered concrete. On the other side, visitors are met with a series of grand and awe-inspiring interior and exterior spaces that have been inspired by the architecture of Spanish villas.

Dubbed ‘Arcos’ - Spanish for arches - this is the “forever home” of Robert Gray of high-end construction company Graya (which also built the home) and psychologist Meghan Gray. The ambitious design by architect Joe Adsett takes an existing classic, old Queenslander home and raises it two levels, with a new, more contemporary design beneath.

Robert Gray had a strong existing relationship with Adsett, with Graya having constructed a number of his firm’s projects, including Adsett’s own home, which has some similar features to Arcos in the use of arches and curves. The rendered concrete arches on the lower level of the house play upon the existing structural rhythm of the heritage Queenslander, with lightweight materials used on the upper storeys of the couple’s forever home.

The Spanish style architecture and its characteristic curves carry through to the interior design of Robert and Meghan’s forever home, with arched doorways and rounded edges seen throughout the interior spaces. A sweeping staircase links the three floors together and provides opportunities for interesting play of light on the rendered concrete walls and ceiling. A sunken living room with a curved, custom-made sofa provides a place for friends and family to congregate after dinner. The rounded kitchen island features vertical column-style detailing on the front, and echoes the curves of the nearby stair.

This is a house to spread out, to entertain family and friends with ease, and to enjoy living in. With its many luxuries so close to the city, Meghan has high hopes that Arcos will be their forever home - but time will tell.