Honoured with the task of revitalising one of Melbourne’s most significant heritage listed homes, Albert Park Residence by Golden finds resolve in a respectful balance between authentic preservation and contemporary design.
By embracing the home’s Victorian ‘Filigree’ features such as the ornate cast iron façade, original Victorian staircase, and highly detailed cornicing, Golden have unified the existing with the new, and in turn created a confident and layered interior grounded by a deep respect for its 125-year history.
Entering the home beneath restored Victorian lacework and across a path of tessellated tiles, visitors are greeted by an elongated floor plan that flows from formal lounge to private dining, before revealing its contemporary heart with an open-plan kitchen and living to the rear of the ground floor. Working closely to adhere to a detailed heritage impact statement, Golden carefully and respectfully worked with original features including marble fireplaces, timberwork, roses and cornices throughout.
In the kitchen multiple walls were removed to create a larger open-plan setting. From a strong Victorian base, a masculine palette was chosen, introducing dark timber veneer, leathered granite and metal detailing, marrying the contemporary style with practical livability.
Spatial planning on the first floor was restricted by two heritage-protected fireplaces in the master suite. Sensitively working around its position, multiple walls were removed and reinstated to create an expansive walk-in-robe and hotel-like open plan ensuite. All Victorian features such as archways, architraves and skirting were retained in line with the heritage statement. Feature lighting throughout the home works to connect and distinguish spaces.
Apparatus Studio’s signature ‘Cloud’ pendants are intentionally paired in the adjacent formal lounge and dining, unifying the elegant spaces through a vast original arched doorway. A vintage pendant in the main stairwell makes the most the soaring ceiling whilst signaling a transition between floors. In the master bedroom a contemporary pendant by Moooi riffs off an imagined chandelier that would’ve once taken its place.
With a furniture selection inspired by the client’s contemporary taste and love of entertaining, a layered approach was employed to soften otherwise robust materiality. Key furnishings such as the citrus coloured Edra sofa, dusty pink silk rug and ‘Tired Man’ armchair by By Lassen add cozy elegance.
With careful consideration for the home’s original features, Albert Park Residence by Golden is an elegant contrast between heritage and contemporary design; a home revitalised in a manner befitting a property of such pedigree.
