Colour and shape

Great neighbourhoods aren’t made up so much by individual architectural statements but a cohesive arrangement of design elements perfectly suited to the local character and context – colour, roofs, walls and openings, landscape and clip-ons. Here are three typical Australian styles and the building elements that define them.

Architect and urban designer Sharni Howe put together this advice on three classic Australian architectural styles.

Coastal character

These are homes that respond to a natural seaside setting, taking their inspiration and colour palettes from the surrounding landscape and local architectural vernacular.

Eco character

‘Eco’ homes are those that work in harmony with the natural setting to have minimal impact. They take inspiration from the local vernacular while incorporating sustainable design practices.

Eclectic character

Derived from a range of influences, this is the style most expressive of the city condition and therefore most suitable for small inner city blocks. The ‘style’ is anti-‘style control’ – its heart is the freedom to experiment.