In Redfern, a three-metre-wide micro-terrace is quietly redefining what it means to live, connect, and create in the heart of the city. Known as Magenta House, this narrow but vibrant home is more than just a residence—it’s a creative and communal sanctuary where culture, conversation, and community take centre stage.
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Every week, Magenta House welcomes friends, neighbours, and newcomers into its thoughtfully curated spaces. Whether it’s for a communal meal, an art workshop, a reading session, or a street party, the house offers a warm, intimate environment that encourages meaningful connection.
At its core is a beautiful balance between public engagement and personal comfort—something rarely achieved in conventional venues. One of its standout features is a library with over 2,000 books, showcasing literature, art, poetry, and cookbooks from the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and the broader Global South. The collection is free to browse by appointment, providing access to stories and perspectives often underrepresented in mainstream libraries.
The heart behind Magenta House is couple Mariam Arcilla and Mason Kimber, whose shared backgrounds in the arts have shaped every detail of the space. Mariam, originally from the Philippines, draws on her roots and her career in arts and culture to infuse the home with a sense of welcome, warmth, and heritage. Mason, a visual artist, educator, and DJ, brings a dynamic creative presence to the house, fostering collaboration and curiosity.
Together, they have turned their small terrace into a multi-functional community platform that invites people to slow down, engage deeply, and celebrate both shared experiences and cultural difference.
Elsewhere in the home, zones have been transformed into areas for creative experimentation—from a test kitchen and artist talk space to a small backyard shop and internal courtyard anchored by a 200-year-old Gadi (Grass Tree). The house itself, a re-envisioned 19th-century Victorian terrace, has been sensitively redesigned to support community life while preserving its heritage charm.
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This May, the house will host the Halo-Halo Watercolour Workshop, a colourful tribute to the beloved Filipino dessert. Led by artist Gizelle, the session will teach participants how to paint halo-halo using vibrant watercolours.
Guests will also receive a take-home watercolour kit, and for a delicious finale, they can build their own real-life halo-halo from Magenta House’s dessert station—an experience that blends creativity with cultural nostalgia.
In a city where space is tight and time is precious, Magenta House stands out—not for its size, but for its spirit. It’s a reminder that even the narrowest of homes can open wide with possibility.
Published 10-April-2025