With its stucco facade and steel-framed, arched windows, Plaster Fun House is an architectural anomaly amid the surrounding cottages and 1960s brick residences in the town of Torrensville in South Australia.

“The contrast between the stucco and steel windows is something we wanted to play on,” says Sans-Arc director Matiya Marovich. “Those are common materials used in older houses in the area, so we referenced that, reframed it, and modernized it.”

The home also incorporates the homeowners’ love of Art Deco and 1930s P&O architecture, which was inspired by luxury cruise liners: these influences shine through in the residence’s clean white exterior, framed windows, and curved walls.

The clients also requested more space for relaxing and entertaining—an environment that would be “full of light and fun to be in,” says Marovich. They also hoped to display an impressive collection of Italian and Czech glassware and German pottery.

The 700-square-foot residence has an enlarged bathroom, and a kitchen and laundry space that is seamlessly melded with the dining area by way of an oversized, pink terrazzo kitchen island.

“We loved the idea of one bold element connecting the two spaces, but creating varied zones around it,” says Marovich. “It felt like a logical solution, minimizing circulation space and embracing the existing dining room.”

And while the color may seem like a bold choice, the Sans-Arc team looked to a bit of neighborhood history for some help: “The salmon-pink terrazzo color was used a lot on front porches in Adelaide in the 1950s and 1960s, so that was a bit of inspiration.”

Built-in, curved banquette seating “makes the space feel more embracing and less rigid,” says Marovich. Altogether, the space radiates polish and sophistication, but still feels friendly and lighthearted.

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Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Sans-Arc Studio / @sansarc.studio

Builder/General Contractor: Build Inc.

Structural Engineer: Intrax Consulting Engineers

Landscape Design Company: Pad Studio

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