All successful projects have a unique quality that is often hard to put into words. Architects know this is because the space, building, precinct, or landscape provokes an emotional connection.

Architect Kirby Roper, Director of Kirby Architects, advises her clients that emotional impact is a quality that is as relevant in a home as it is in a grand structure like a cathedral, museum or theatre. "We tell our clients that one of the qualities we aim for in every project is to create spaces with spirit and emotional character", explains Kirby. "Hitting the right emotional notes within a space is often the quality, the 'Je ne sais quoi' that makes a project truly memorable."
This grand Victorian villa in Melbourne's Armadale had lovely bones but was due for an overhaul. As the architect, Kirby's advice was key to reawakening this sleeping beauty and establishing a heart in the family home, while reflecting the client's unique style. "When a project begins, we take the time to get to know our clients, so we can understand the ambience and the solutions that will be right for their home," she said.

Kirby Architects recommended an imaginative overhaul of the kitchen, dining and living spaces that would seamlessly link with outdoor entertaining areas. "Our vision was to create an emotional centre to the home that is perfect for gathering 'the tribe' and creating family memories," Kirby explained.
"We started by exploring the family's lifestyle, tastes and mindset. We blended their vision and our insights to craft a design concept that captures the emotional essence. For functionality, we asked lots of questions, to understand exactly how an open kitchen, dining & living area needed to function for it to suit their lives. " Kirby continued.

The kitchen emerged as the vital space that connects and conveys the character of the family. Listening to their input and considering their innate style, Kirby proposed a large central Calacutta marble island anchoring the heart of the kitchen. The drama of rich, dark joinery coupled with feature lighting creates a space intimate enough for the family's daily enjoyment and yet inviting and grand to suit large-scale entertaining.

"Our client has a strong individual style that is reflected in their art collection and interior furnishings, which we considered in the design. The kitchen had to fluidly adapt from functional ease for everyday use into a grand entertaining zone reflecting the magnificence of the original Victorian home. We added a subtle modern twist to reflect the client's personal style", said Kirby.

To achieve this duality, the kitchen includes a hidden butler's pantry in the cabinetry to provide extra storage and working space. A direct entrance to the garage is concealed in the cabinetry providing discreet access to the kitchen.
Linking the kitchen with the outdoor terrace with its BBQ area, lounge with open fireplace, stunning pool and tennis court, creates an experience that makes a lasting impression. "The renovation exceeded our client's expectations. It is their 'luxury getaway at home'," said Kirby.

Environmentally conscious design was factored into many design details, added Kirby, "For example, we worked with Melbourne Facades to customise the steel doors to have false transoms that will minimise the thermal bridging that occurs in traditional steel windows."

Team:
Architects: Kirby Architects
Photographer: Jacqui Henshaw
