Veiled House, designed by Juo, is a remarkable transformation of a once humble 1908 workers cottage into something truly unexpected. A sanctuary amidst the urban landscape and with sweeping views of the Perth City skyline, this home offers both refuge and connection to its vibrant surroundings.
SPOTLIGHT
/ Designed by Juo / Winner Residential Design Alterations and Additions - Building Design Awards (2021) / Winner Residential Interior Design - Building Design Awards (2021) / Winner Residential Heritage Design - Building Design Awards (2021) / Winner Residential Bathroom Design - Building Design Awards (2021) / Green Title lot / Perth City views / Garage parking for two cars plus street permits for 3 vehicles / High-end kitchen with Abey cook top, 2 x Fisher & Paykel dish drawers, MadeMeasure leather handles, Miele oven, Whispair externally flued range hood, fully welded Corian bench tops with no seams, electric Blum drives to overhead cupboards, Pop Brooklyn Arc kitchen light / Tom Dixon lights to staircase / Structural concrete floors to extension plus solid wood floors - American White Oak Select grade herringbone flooring / Original and reclaimed Jarrah boards to cottage / Water filtration to the whole house with reverse osmosis in kitchen / Comfortplus glass to extension / 5.8kw solar PV system - Fronius inverter and 19x Winaico panels / Gorter roof access hatch and ladder / Olivari door handles to extension / All switches and light fittings are brass and black bathed in cottage / Big Ass Fans to first floor bedrooms / Reverse cycle air-conditioning to cottage and extension / Alarm with 4 security cameras
The design brief called for a sensitive restoration of the original cottage, celebrating its character while introducing contemporary elements. The goal was to create a home that could evolve with its occupants' needs over time. Passive solar principles were central to the design, ensuring energy efficiency and a strong connection to greenery throughout the property.
A clear contrast between old and new defines the aesthetic strategy of Veiled House. A glass link, flanked by lush landscaping, separates the original cottage from the modern addition. The red brick of the cottage is offset by the charcoal face brickwork of the new structure, creating a striking visual dialogue between the two.
The cottage retains its historical charm with original and reclaimed jarrah floorboards and red brick walls. In contrast, the extension features structural concrete floors, Bluestone paving, and luxurious finishes such as Carrara marble tiling and American White Oak herringbone flooring.
Stepping into the north-facing open-plan area, light floods the space, creating a serene atmosphere. Full-height wall-to-wall glass connects the indoors with the private courtyard, allowing winter sun to warm the home while maintaining privacy.
The kitchen, anchored to the east, exemplifies clean lines and elegant textures. A durable, minimalist Corian benchtop and high-quality 2 pac lacquer and Eveneer joinery ensure that this space is both functional and visually striking, catering to culinary enthusiasts.
To enhance privacy and soften the mass of the two-storey addition, a veil of fixed aluminum panels in purple tones accentuates the first-floor form. This floor is skewed to maximize northern light, with an overhang that protects the ground floor from the summer sun while welcoming winter warmth.
The staircase void, positioned on the western boundary, serves as a natural chimney, allowing hot air to rise and escape through the first-floor windows. This clever design minimises heat gain during the summer, contributing to the home's thermal efficiency.
The garage structure on the northern boundary is a masterpiece of design, with a south-facing picture window that acts as a vintage car display. Above, a rooftop garden designed by local horticulturist Gavin Hicks, insulates the garage below. With a “riverbed” running through the middle, and a Japanese ink stained log amongst native plants, this natural garden provides not only a beautiful view from within the residence, but provides sanctuary to local wildlife.
Nestled in one of Perth's best-kept secrets, Veiled House is part of a thriving inner-city community filled with families, professionals and creatives alike. Within immediate walking distance to fresh groceries, some of Perth’s best cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as neighbourhood parks like Stuart Street Reserve and Hyde Park, and the city centre, this location offers the perfect balance of convenience and lifestyle.