Selected projects
A more personal waySelected work.
Duplex
Projects in this category are being photographed. Ask us about recent work.
Ashburton Duplex
In Ashburton, in Melbourne's leafy east, this duplex brings a rich, dark palette and refined finishes to a quiet suburban street.
It was designed for the new work-from-home professional, with spaces that suit both focused work and family life. The architecture is expressed as pitched gable forms clad in dark vertical battens, set behind low brick garden walls, so the pair reads as a composed group of houses rather than one large building.
The design emphasises solar access and a close relationship with the surrounding trees and landscape, with living areas opening to private gardens. The result pairs elegance with environmental care: a sophisticated pair of homes designed to be comfortable to live in and efficient to run.
Architect-designed by Arkhaus. Development approval only.
Fitting two generous homes, each with real space to work from home, onto a suburban block while keeping sunlight and garden at the centre of daily life.
What are you
imagining?
What needs
to fall into place?
What needs
untangling?
What's
your style?
Your brief, so far.
What haven't we asked?
Tell us a little more about the project, or anything you're still working through.
Every enquiry is read and answered personally, not by an enquiry department.
01 — DESIGN PHILOSOPHYDesign & construction.
On speaking terms.
Some ideas are better left on paper. We prefer the ones that become even better when built.
Arkhaus is a residential and commercial design studio, and for much of its history a registered architectural practice, where creative thinking and practical construction knowledge are part of the same conversation.
02 — EXPERIENCEExperience changes
the way you see.
Led by Fernando Banales, Arkhaus draws on 24 years in design and construction. Trained in architecture. Registered builder. Designer by instinct.
We use NOX, a project management platform that keeps clients informed, decisions connected and next steps clear. Because a well-considered design deserves an equally considered process.
03 — SITE & CONTEXTThe site has a say.
Every site has its own character. And a few opinions. Light, aspect, landscape, privacy, neighbours and the occasional inconvenient constraint.
Then there's how you want to live. We look for the natural opportunities within each place, creating spaces that feel connected to their surroundings, comfortable to inhabit and entirely their own.
04 — DESIGN & DETAILBeautiful on paper.
Better in person.
Minimalism isn't about having less. It's about knowing what deserves to stay. Good proportions, honest materials, natural light and carefully considered details. Nothing unnecessary. Nothing missing.
We believe practicality and beauty belong together. Spaces should feel effortless, work intuitively and offer genuine comfort in everyday life. The best design makes all that thinking look rather simple.