Like a naturally occurring trilithon found in rock formations, the Canterbury Road Residence is made up of three simple structures clad in rough lava stone stacked to form a contemplative passageway. The separation between the forms is made apparent as though they are three large boulders leaning on one another. The organic nature of the hand-laid stone walls draws one from the street into the heart of the house; the upper level forms the lintel over the entry.
While the tonal variation in the natural stone across the scale of the building has a strong presence, the lava stone used on the building is derived from a similar volcanic process as the bluestone used in Melbourne’s streets, so it sits comfortably in the context. The fine flush glazing details and mirrored glass reflects the surrounds to emphasised solidity of the stone counterpart.