The refinement and attention to detail evident in the houses by Adam Kane Architects belies the young age of the practice. Prior to setting out on his own in 2015, director Adam Kane worked for JAM Architects, B.E Architecture and Bates Smart, giving him good experience with projects of different scales, budgets and types. However, Adam’s heart lies with single residential work and this has become the focus of his practice. He finds joy in enhancing the daily lives of his clients by designing homes that respond to their individual requirements.
Adam Kane, who established his own practice in 2015, takes pride in designing specifically for the client.
Image: Adam Kane
“There is a real emphasis on it being their house, not mine,” he says. “There are some clients who aren’t sure about the pros and cons of using an architect. And then there are the true believers who value the importance of design, and they are the [clients for whom] we get the most exciting results.”
Although each project has its own personality in response to its unique context and client, there is a consistent design language across the body of work by the emerging architect. Of note is Adam’s approach to materials – he chooses a palette that references the context and then carries it through the entire project. Hardwood House in Victoria’s Daylesford is a good example: the dark horizontal timber boards of the exterior are translated into the internal walls and ceiling surfaces. The dark materiality is a response to the brief for high-end overnight accommodation. The darkness creates “an emotive, relaxing and comforting space to be in, which is great as a weekender,” says Adam. The planning allows for the dwelling to be used as a single house or two independent spaces with separate entrances.
Hardwood House in Victoria’s Daylesford features a consistent dark materiality, both inside and out.
Image: Adam Kane
In his residential projects, Adam aims to achieve a sense of timelessness and restraint, “where everything works together.” This approach is carried through into smaller projects, too, such as Trentham Barn, a simple shed for a ride-on mower. “Just because it is a shed, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be nicely detailed and refined,” says Adam. Blackwood Studio in regional Victoria is another smaller project created with a great level of care. Two separate structures, a garage and a studio, have been strategically positioned around an existing home to give the impression of a small village of buildings.
Although many of Adam’s projects are located in rural Victorian settings, the majority of projects that he is working on are alterations and additions in inner-suburban Melbourne, which are currently under construction. Adam enjoys the challenge of responding to a variety of settings and contexts, tailoring each project to the specific needs and desires of its client.
Trentham Barn is a simple shed, which epitomizes Adam’s commitment to quality and refined details.
Image: Adam Kane
Starting a new practice is no mean feat, especially as a sole director. When Adam needs to bounce ideas or seeks advice, in addition to speaking with his team, he often turns to his parents: “My parents are designers and I respect their decisions and advice, so they have been great mentors to me with starting my practice.”
Adam intends to keep the scale of his practice small. He enjoys the personal encounters with clients and takes a hands-on approach to all aspects of the business. With subtlety, clarity and fine detailing, his work isn’t about making grand statements or being fashionable – the homes Adam creates are simply intended to bring joy to those who live in them.
Source
People
Published online: 8 Jul 2022
Words:
Katelin Butler
Images:
Adam Kane
Issue
Houses, February 2018
