A small architecture and design studio based in Melbourne, Rex Lin Architects is renowned for its extraordinary design and meticulous attention to the finer details. Specialising in the creation of bespoke homes, Rex and his team are devoted to uncovering what makes each client tick in order to craft for them the most beautiful and thoughtful living spaces. This World Architecture Day, we speak to Rex to learn more about his love of building design, as well as the incredible work being done by his firm.
“Growing up, I was always drawn to drawing and creating things. This natural inclination led me to pursue a career in architecture. Architecture and the built environment are integral parts of our daily lives, from the houses we live in to the places we work and even the corner shops where we buy our coffee. I chose architecture as a career because it allows me to make a difference in people’s lives. By designing and shaping the spaces around us, I can have a positive impact on the world.”
“Less is more” are Rex Lin’s words upon being asked his favourite style of architecture – a theme that is evident throughout his firm’s work, including its recent project, The Minimalist House.
The Minimalist House sits on the south of its street, facing the northern sunny side, which Rex and his team used to their advantage to create a home that is bathed in natural light. This three-storey residence features modern, open spaces with clean lines and light tones that are complemented by the glow of the sun’s rays.
The house is located in a heritage overlay zone with height control, and the site area is approximately 808sqm with a steep slope up from the entry to the back. The design has seen it significantly modified to bring the whole internal space and garden to a flat level, making it accessible and user-friendly, and responding to the height restriction from a covenant on the title.
Entry of the three-storey residence has been set at the street level, which is about one level down from its eastern and northern neighbours. The upper level is private with a master bedroom, second bedroom, and study, while on the ground floor, there is a family area, where two main living spaces are framed by the main gallery space which reaches both the basement and first floor. The outside features a Japanese-style dry garden which is exposed to the sun and has a stone-paved northern courtyard and the perfect outdoor living space to soak in the glorious weather.
Also notable house projects by Rex Lin Architects are The Forest House and The Ribbon House.
The Forest House sits behind a nature reserve and becomes one with its natural, serene surroundings. Several ceiling-to-floor windows offer panoramic views of the forest, allowing inhabitants to feel connected to nature, while a slightly raised ground floor and sunken lower level create a private courtyard, enabling both levels to delight in the surrounding flora while maintaining privacy.
The Ribbon House is a luxury property situated on the inner east suburb of Kew, and it is uniquely inspired by the beauty of the Chinese ribbon dance. This building is truly distinct with its curves playing homage to the long ribbons that come with this traditional art form that people have been performing for more than 1,000 years. In Rex Lin style, this property is stunning and extravagant from the inside out.
Overall, there are three key elements that Rex feels are critical to his design philosophy, each of which are evident in these aforementioned projects. These include: maximising natural light in his design; strategically placing walls (instead of doors) to provide privacy while retaining free-flowing space and good cross ventilation; and bringing outdoor space into each design so that it is an extension of the inside, creating a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors.
“Following the COVID outbreak and the prolonged lockdown in Melbourne, people have started to re-evaluate the way they use their houses. They now value well-designed homes where nature, light, and ventilation are abundance.”
Rex Lin Architects’ work isn’t only limited to creating magnificent homes, but it also designs commercial spaces. These have varied from an elegant restaurant contrasting the inspiration of the peacock but also the building’s industrial past; to the Burwood restaurant adorned in stylish shades of brown and featuring lush greenery; to the luxurious, fresh, and relaxing Kiora Medical Spas Hawthorn.
So, as an architect, inevitably, their creativity must be sparked by something; we ask Rex which buildings help to get his creative juices flowing.
“It is difficult for me to choose a single “favourite” building, as there are so many great examples of architecture. However, there are two buildings that I particularly love and continue to draw inspiration from the Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe and Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier.
“The Barcelona Pavilion is a masterpiece of simplicity, creating a beautiful, free-flowing space through the use of walls. These walls frame views and guide visitors through the space, while blurring the line between internal and external areas.
“Villa Savoye is Le Corbusier’s “machine for living.” Many of its innovative ideas, such as open-plan design, communal outdoor terraces that extend from internal living areas, and the fluidity of movement through its spaces, continue to influence architects today.”
Whether you want to build a new home or renovate an existing one, Rex Lin Architects can help you achieve your vision. Rex and his team are experts in creating spaces that reflect your personality and lifestyle. They will work closely with you from the initial consultation to the final delivery, ensuring a smooth and satisfying process. With Rex Lin Architects, you can trust that your project will be unique, beautiful, and functional. Contact the team today and let them make your dream space a reality.
For business enquiries, contact Rex Lin, Director from Rex Lin Architects via email – [email protected] or on their website – www.rexlinarchitects.com.au
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