In a subtropical city traditionally enamoured with the breathability of timber, architects Ingrid Richards and Adrian Spence turned to a more ancient solution, using masonry to create a building evocative of the stone edifices of the Mediterranean, or anywhere masonry has been used as a cooling barrier against sweltering heat.
Longevity into an unknown future was key to the project’s design, with the architects looking beyond its first function as their home and studio and imagining a long and varied life. To enable this generation-crossing lifeline, the choice of materials was essential, with priority given to elements that would age beautifully and hold their form against the ravages of time. Thus, Queensland’s traditionally lightweight materials were passed over in favour of a robust palette of concrete and Scala travertine.
The linguistic unity is no coincidence: Scala is a defining feature of the La Scala project, used indoors and out, horizontally underfoot and vertically up interior and exterior walls. It frames windows and alcoves alike, drawing the eye to architectural features and the views beyond. Scala Vein Cut is cut along the grain of the stone, resulting in an irregular linear pattern and a warm, creamy hue that brings visual softness to the brutalist concrete lines.
The Scala tiles are a defining feature of the La Scala project, used indoors and out, horizontally underfoot and vertically up interior and exterior walls.
At the literal and figurative centre is the protected courtyard, a terraced landscape packed with architectural interest and overflowing with a curated abundance of plant life, spilling from roof gardens, and breaching the boundaries between inside and out.
In terms of robustness, the travertine is a beautiful match for the concrete, but also an inspired aesthetic pairing. Laid on the stairs, it adds warmth and definition; Its pale beauty evocative of ancient edifices – it was famously used in the construction of the Colosseum – and, like these iconic structures, it conveys a sense of permanence and immutability. This is a material that will age gracefully and look as handsome in decades’ time as it did the day it was laid.
For a structure that was designed as a modern response to a challenging hot climate, it’s hard to imagine a more suitable material choice. Concrete and travertine are miraculous insulators, Scala is both one of the coolest hardscaping options and a visual masterpiece, creating dramatic contrast as it frames the sparkling blue pool.
Concrete and travertine are miraculous insulators, it’s hard to imagine a more suitable material choice.
