An elegant example of cohesive design that respectfully balances heritage features with contemporary vision, Armadale Residence II by Studio Tate is a historic Melbourne home refreshed by a renovation befitting the needs of the clients.
With a distinctive medieval character and restrained detailing, the property was built in 1899 and features Victorian period mouldings, picture rail datum and parquet floor. A stately heritage façade, grandiose entry hall archway and geometric motif ceilings inspired a mirrored symmetry that echoes throughout.
Engaged initially to design bespoke joinery, Studio Tate’s investigative process uncovered the nuanced history of the home, as well the shifting needs of its residents. The suggestion of simple but sophisticated alterations to the existing scheme illustrated such improved amenity that Studio Tate was in turn tasked with extending the life and function of the entire four bedroom, three bathroom family home.
Along with a refresh of the existing bones, Studio Tate implemented two key architectural gestures. A beautiful interplay with the past and the present links an original rear tack room for housing saddle supplies, to the main house via a new glass walkway, while an extension to the northern side of the home allows for the addition of an ensuite with dual access from each of the teenagers' bedrooms.
A concealed steel framed sliding door at the rear of the new glazed link means the new dining and living zone in the former tack room can be separated if required. Cognisant that balance provides harmony, communal spaces are offset by delineated zones such as the separate study for respectful seclusion and new powder room.
Expansive dining and living zones encourage open, convivial interaction and find a balance between formal dining and more intimate breakouts for casual congregation. Freestanding joinery and uniform framework in the large Signorino stone kitchen, as well as striking steel framed doors, are contemporary nods to existing shuttered windows. The extended island bench sits adjacent to steel framed windows, offering connection to the lush foliage of the reconfigured arbour by Eckersley Garden Architecture. Perfect for informal midweek meals, this casually inviting space is a family favourite to gather and connect at the end of a busy day.
