Description

Materia is a bold experiment in residential architecture, born from a singular vision where the architect acted as client, builder, and maker. Located in the heart of St Kilda, this project served as a living laboratory for Obsessive Architecture, exploring the boundary between digital precision and handcrafted soul.

The home’s identity is defined by its raw, tactile materiality—specifically the use of concrete as "liquid stone." Utilising a workflow that moved between 3D modelling, rapid prototyping, and manual on-site casting, the project features hundreds of bespoke elements that bridge the gap between architectural drawing and built form.

Beyond its sculptural exterior, Materia is a Certified Passivhaus. This rigorous approach to building science ensures an interior environment that is exceptionally quiet, filtered, and thermally stable year-round. It demonstrates that high-performance engineering can coexist with expressive design.

Visitors are invited to experience a "machine for living" that feels profoundly human. From the intricate concrete details to the seamless integration of light and air, Materia offers a sensory journey through modern Melburnian design. It is a testament to what is possible when a building is crafted, not just constructed.

What's On

Visitors are invited to explore Materia, a cutting-edge Certified Passivhaus in St Kilda. Lead architect Maurie Novak of Obsessive Architecture will lead guided tours, revealing how high-performance building science meets bold, tactile design.

Attendees will learn about the invisible mechanics of airtight construction, heat recovery ventilation, and the project’s low-embodied carbon material palette. The experience includes a detailed walkthrough of the living spaces and a technical Q&A regarding the challenges of inner-city sustainable builds. Visitors can also view a curated display of the home's construction details and custom concrete elements integrated throughout the site.