Lot 1 Design, working alongside architectural firm Sydesign, has designed Preston House, a light-filled modern home designed for a family of five in Sydney, Australia. From the outset, the focus was on creating a home that felt open, warm and connected, a clear response to the family’s previous dark living environment.
A palette of concrete, recycled bricks, solid timber and black steel sets the tone throughout the house. These materials bring a raw, industrial edge, but their careful use keeps the home feeling balanced and inviting rather than harsh. By repeating these finishes across both interior and exterior spaces, the architects created a sense of continuity that allows the house to feel grounded and cohesive.
Inside, a bright hallway with crisp white walls draws you in from the entryway, guiding the eye straight through to the pool and the main social spaces beyond. This deliberate visual connection gives an immediate sense of openness and depth, setting the mood for the rest of the home.
Large floor-to-ceiling black-framed windows line the home, framing views of the pool while allowing natural light to flood the interiors. Almost every room benefits from this connection, reinforcing the idea that indoor and outdoor living are closely intertwined rather than separate zones.
The open plan living room, dining area and kitchen form the heart of the home. A recycled brick wall wraps around the space, adding texture and character while acting as a backdrop for a sleek black fireplace and a solid concrete kitchen bench. It is a setting designed to feel robust and lived in, yet still refined.
Large sliding doors extend the kitchen outward to a covered alfresco dining area complete with an outdoor kitchen. Designed for a family that loves to entertain, the indoor and outdoor cooking zones can function independently or together, making gatherings feel effortless and relaxed.
The outdoor spaces sit alongside the swimming pool, deck and lawn, forming a natural extension of the interior living areas. Whether it’s family time, entertaining friends or quiet moments outdoors, the layout encourages constant interaction with the surrounding spaces.
Back inside, near the front hallway, a staircase leads to the upper level of the home. Its placement keeps movement through the house intuitive, allowing family members to move easily between shared and private spaces.
In the master bedroom, large sliding doors open onto a private balcony, creating a calm retreat within the home. A second sliding door links the balcony directly to the master bathroom, strengthening the sense of flow and connection between spaces.
The master bathroom continues the home’s industrial language with black-framed glass shower screens separating wet and dry zones. Soft pink curtains at the end of the space introduce an unexpected layer of warmth and color, gently balancing the stronger materials used throughout.
In another bathroom, a simple grey and white palette creates a modern and calming atmosphere. Clean lines and restrained finishes ensure the space feels timeless and practical for everyday family use.
Preston House is a family home that shows how raw materials and industrial details can still feel warm and light.