A large dilapidated Edwardian house and outbuildings bounded by apartments to the North was the backdrop for the creation of a significant Melbourne home. Having scraped away the layers of paint, water damage and lean-to additions we set about restoring the retained portion to its former glory and extending the building. The further we unpacked, the greater the apparent need for a sympathetic but also transformative interpretation of what the house could truly become.
The ground floor of the original building provides the grown-up spaces; an elegant navy-blue study is the backdrop for a steal mantelpiece with sculptured pendant and circular motif lamp. The master bedroom and ensuite expanded into the original dining spaces with sympathetic restoration of the epic mouldings and leadlight windows garnered from other areas from the rear. Steel detailing to bathroom interior glazing completes the connection between old and new.
Soft shades of pale pink were juxtaposed against the other colours of pale greens and navy’s in the neighbouring spaces. The pallet of materials and detailing are chosen to allow a consistency throughout the interior, building elements and landscape; Black oxide steel detailing on the cantilevered stair and suspended library talk to the external pergola structure and door and window articulation.
The polished concrete floor rises to form the kitchen island, the plinth under the stair and the hearth, whilst allowing a pocket of end grain timber blocks to create a zone for the dining area.
