The "Queens" Project, Vaucluse NSW

As Goran Stojanovic, director of X.PACE, explains: “The client brief was to maximise the site potential. This specifically refers to orientation and views. In terms of aesthetic language they wanted the simplicity of form—sticking but at the same time understated…clean but rich.”

That sense of restraint is most noticeable on arrival. The approach to the house is calm and measured, guiding movement through overlapping forms. Edges float and views open up in stages, creating anticipation as visitors are led towards the threshold.

“The key features of the project are about the sense of entry—the stair that gently resembles the imagery of entering into the spaceship, the cantilever that projects over the garage apron and large frameless window overlooking the entry,” says Stojanovic.

Reflecting on the project, Stojanovic adds, "It is still one of my favourite projects. We are currently doing some minor updating for the new owners and every time I am there I am pleased to see how well it has stood the test of time and how relevant it still is ten years later."

Selecting Sun Shading

Light plays a defining role in how Queens feels from day to day. With large openings, managing heat and glare was essential to keeping the interiors comfortable without closing them off.

“The main openings are oriented to the north and west, making control of light critical,” explains Stojanovic. “The solution required a multi-layer approach—external aluminium blinds, internal roller blinds and curtains.”

Shade Factor delivered a layered sun shading solution that allows the house to automatically respond to changing conditions. External aluminium venetian blinds work alongside motorised internal roller blinds to give the occupants flexibility without visual clutter.

“The work that Shade Factor did was of the finest quality,” says Stojanovic. 

From the outside, the external blinds are neatly recessed behind steel plates, maintaining a clean and composed façade. 

“They also form a beautiful translucent skin when they are down—providing depth to the façade,” says Stojanovic.

Inside, the effect is immediate. Bright sunlight is filtered, heat gain is reduced and rooms take on a calmer atmosphere during the height of summer.

For X.PACE, working with Shade Factor was about confidence in both process and outcome.

“We chose to work with Shade Factor for a number of reasons—technical knowledge, ability and patience to resolve complex details and the quality of products and craftsmanship,” adds Stojanovic.

Together, architecture and sun shading have helped Queens remain comfortable, adaptable and quietly refined. It is a home that continues to work beautifully ten years on.