Ben Callery Architects has created a modern home for a family of four, including two publishers who frequently work from home. The house is designed to allow living, working, relaxing, and playing to happen simultaneously, while keeping the family connected to each other and the environment. Every space balances openness, light, and privacy, making the home feel larger than its modest footprint.
The home’s exterior emphasizes contrast and function. The lower level is glass, opening the living areas to the backyard and encouraging airflow.
Above, the upper level is clad in charred black hardwood, providing privacy and shading the rooms below. Its cantilevered design blocks harsh summer sun while welcoming the low winter light.
A simple pergola with a built-in bench extends shaded outdoor space, making the patio a place for casual relaxation or family gatherings.
Inside, the home emphasizes fluidity and connection. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls can be opened to seamlessly merge the living room with the backyard, while light curtains allow breezes to flow through.
The living room integrates the television and shelving into the staircase, keeping the space minimal and airy. Overlapping rooms create a sense of openness despite the compact footprint.
A double-sided bookshelf with a built-in desk links the living area to the home office. This feature allows work and family life to coexist without creating separation. The semi-transparent design offers both connection and selective seclusion, letting occupants focus when needed while still feeling part of the household.
Adjacent to the living area, the dining space features a large wood table with a black base paired with matching chairs. In the kitchen, green cabinets add a subtle pop of color against white countertops and upper cabinetry. The open plan encourages interaction while maintaining clear functional zones, making it ideal for family life and socializing.
Bathrooms continue the natural material palette. A long wood vanity with a concrete sink and bronze faucet sets a modern, understated tone. A textured glass panel hides the shower, while a freestanding white bathtub sits against small vertical tiles, creating a serene, light-filled retreat. Reflective and translucent surfaces throughout enhance natural light while providing privacy.
The home balances transparency and seclusion through thoughtful material choices. Glass walls open to the outdoors, while charred timber and translucent surfaces filter light, reduce glare, and maintain passive solar comfort. Every corner of the house reflects the family’s lifestyle, combining professional needs, relaxation, and play in a compact yet expansive-feeling footprint.