Garran / Pixel Arc System
Set within the established Canberra suburb of Garran, Black & White House by architect Andrew Collins, built by Index Building, is a study in contrast. Conceived as two neighbouring homes, the project uses a shared architectural language while giving each residence a distinctly different identity.
One home takes a darker approach, with black framed windows and doors paired with rich walnut joinery. Beside it, the second residence reverses the palette with white brickwork, oak finishes and white framed glazing. Across both homes, Pixel’s Arc System plays an important role, allowing expansive glazing, natural light and strong connections to the outdoors to become part of the design.
Two homes, one architectural language
The strength of Black & White House lies in the relationship between the two residences. Rather than creating two identical homes, Andrew Collins has used colour and materiality to produce two interpretations of the same architectural idea.
In the darker residence, black aluminium frames reinforce the graphic quality of the architecture. Paired with walnut joinery, they give the interiors depth and warmth while defining each opening. The frames become part of the visual composition, turning views of the garden and surrounding landscape into carefully considered moments.
Next door, the palette becomes lighter and quieter. White brickwork and oak finishes are complemented by white-framed windows and doors, allowing the glazing to sit more softly within the architecture. The result is a home that feels bright and calm, with natural light taking on a more prominent role.
The Arc Lift Door
A defining element across the project is the Pixel Arc Lift Door. Designed for generous expanses of glazing, the lift-and-slide format creates broad openings between interior living spaces and the outdoors while retaining the clean lines of the architecture.
When closed, the large glazed panels maintain views and draw daylight deep into the interiors. When opened, they create a direct connection between living spaces and the garden, allowing the boundary between inside and outside to become less pronounced.
In both homes, this sense of openness is central to the design. The glazing is not treated simply as an inserted element within the walls, but as part of the spatial planning — shaping how each room feels, how light enters and how the architecture responds to its landscape.
Framing natural light
Throughout Black & White House, the contrast between the two palettes is reinforced by the way each residence responds to light.
Against the darker interior, the black Arc frames give structure and definition to expansive areas of glass. In the lighter residence, the white frames recede into the surrounding material palette, creating a softer transition between wall, window and view.
Despite their differences, both homes share an emphasis on proportion, clarity and connection to place. Large openings frame the mature Canberra landscape, while changing daylight brings variation to the restrained materials throughout the day.
A complete architectural approach
The success of Black & White House comes from the way architecture, interiors and glazing have been considered together.
The black and white palettes give each residence a distinct character, yet the common proportions, detailing and window system establish a clear relationship between the two. Pixel’s Arc System provides a consistent architectural framework while adapting naturally to each material scheme.
For Pixel, the project demonstrates the versatility of the Arc System within contemporary residential architecture. The Arc Lift Door is central to this story, creating expansive connections to the outdoors while remaining integrated with the broader design.
Through the collaboration of architect Andrew Collins, builder Index Building and Pixel International, Black & White House becomes a study in contrast: two homes, two palettes and one cohesive architectural language.
Project: Black & White House
Location: Garran, Canberra ACT
Architect: Andrew Collins
Builder: Index Building
Windows + Doors: Pixel Arc System
Featured Product: Arc Lift Door
Photography: Anne Stroud
For more information
Website: www.pixelinternational.com.au
Email: sales@pixelinternational.com.au
