The award-winning architects who think our homes should be curvier

Award-winning architects Neil Durbach, Camilla Block, and David Jaggers have been making waves in the world of residential design with their unique approach to architecture—one that emphasizes the use of curves instead of traditional straight lines. Their firm, Durbach Block Jaggers (DBJ), recently received the Australian Institute of Architects' prestigious Gold Medal for its "intellectually rigorous, deeply affecting" work, which is characterized by sweeping arcs, long spirals, and precise arches. This recognition highlights their innovative and thoughtful approach to integrating form with function in a way that enhances both aesthetics and human experience.

Over the past three decades, Durbach and his partners have designed numerous acclaimed buildings that elegantly incorporate curves. According to Durbach, curves offer a more relaxed kind of beauty that is neither oppressive nor controlling. He explains that curves allow designers to embrace the natural beauty of a site—whether it's a sea view, a garden, or a harbor—without imposing rigid structures onto the environment. In contrast, Jaggers notes that straight lines often attempt to enforce an unnatural ordering system on a site or view, whereas curves intuitively respond to the natural order of things.

Despite their admiration for curves, the architects caution against using them without restraint. Block warns that excessive use of curves could lead to an overwhelming sensation, likening it to feeling as though one is living in jelly. For instance, in a recent house project located on the Cape Byron coast, the team employed curves sparingly. The centerpiece of this home is an expansive ocean-facing living room featuring a triple-vaulted ceiling. An oval skylight punctuates the middle vault, allowing light to penetrate deep into the room. The scalloped roof design evokes a sense of safety, reminiscent of a cave, offering protection during stormy weather. Conversely, when the sea is calm, the space feels more like a plateau with soft clouds overhead.

In another recent project in Sydney’s Lavender Bay, the architects incorporated a gently curved ceiling that echoes the sail-like forms of the Sydney Opera House, visible through the windows. Jaggers explains that the use of curves enabled them to frame these iconic Australian landmarks in a comfortable and natural manner. Even when not framing grand views, interior curves can significantly contribute to well-being, according to Michael J Ostwald, a professor of architectural analytics at the University of New South Wales. His research indicates that incorporating subtle curvilinear elements within a building can elicit feelings of relaxation, invitation, or upliftment.

Ostwald further elaborates on the psychological impact of such designs, referring to the concept of "balancing prospect and refuge." Subtle curves can assist occupants in relaxing while simultaneously appreciating the external views framed by the space. However, he cautions against the overuse of curvilinear forms, noting that too many can cause confusion, cognitive overload, and even physical discomfort like nausea. Despite this warning, Ostwald commends DBJ for their balanced approach, which involves using simple rectilinear volumes connected or punctuated by minimal curvilinear elements. This method effectively engages both the mind and emotions in a positive, almost therapeutic way.

One notable example of DBJ's design philosophy is the Holman House, where the architects completely eschewed straight lines. The open-plan living area overlooking the ocean extends as a long, loose curve, mirrored by the curvature of the kitchen island. This design choice reflects their belief in creating spaces that feel both dynamic and harmonious with nature. As their career continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how their influence will shape future architectural trends and how their principles might be adapted in broader contexts beyond residential design.