Kew House, Contemporary residential structure in Kew, Victoria, Australia.

Kew House is a contemporary residence in Kew featuring dimensions of approximately 18 by 9 meters with glass walls framed by rusted metal screens on two sides. The glass walls provide views while the metal frames control light and offer privacy.

Sean Godsell built Kew House in 1996–1997 as his own family home at 8 Hodgson Street, an early project of the practice he founded in 1994. It won an RAIA Victorian Chapter Award of Merit for Residential New in 1998 and was published internationally. A freestanding 24 sqm studio was added between 2009 and 2013, winning the 2014 AIA National Award for Small Projects.

Godsell describes the house as primordial rather than processed: rusted screens, oiled second-hand boards and recycled decking, with rudimentary services. The open plan has no corridors, divided only by a long central wall and sliding screens, which he said forces socialisation and tolerance within the house. The 7m built-in table beside the kitchen bench serves as the hub of daily family life.

The rusted metal screens regulate sunlight and allow natural ventilation through a passive air circulation system. Visiting requires special arrangements since this remains a private residence.

The 7 m built-in table at the east end, beside the kitchen bench, was designed as the hub of daily family life. The plan has no corridors: a long central wall holds the fireplace and cupboards, and sliding screens separate the bedrooms and study on the south side.