This project began as a renovation triggered by structural degradation issues in the original 1940s building and ended up as a major extension and renovation of the entire home and garden.
Architect Kirby Roper, Director of Kirby Architects, listened to her clients’ desire to make this their ‘forever home’ and the house needed to grow with the family with enough flexibility to adapt to family change and aging.

"A forever home is a home that grows with your family, suitable for sharing with parents and including smart ideas for future-proofing,” Kirby calls this Lifestage Design. “It’s where the design puts life at the centre of every brief to create inspiring and nourishing spaces that clients will enjoy over many chapters, not just one. ", explains Kirby.

Working closely with her clients, Kirby blended her ideas and insights with the family’s lifestyle, tastes and vision to develop a house designed to be enjoyed. Kirby believes, “The true testament to effective interior design is interpreting how clients would like to engage in spaces and craft a striking design that allows for structural constraints, functionality, budget and design aesthetic.”

Located on a rise close to Melbourne’s Yarra River in leafy green Toorak, the house combines a lovely blend of period design and elegant modern features.
It’s not obvious at first glance, but this home has had LifeStage Design considered alongside structural and creative input to amplify the life of this home for the family. “With clever practical details like sorting laundry baskets in bathroom joinery, built-in dog beds, bin chutes and overhead tilt cupboard doors, this home is designed to last a lifetime," said Kirby.

Kirby Architects reworked the floorplan and spatial connections. The kitchen was relocated and reoriented to enjoy the patio, garden and pool. “ I loved working with the clients to develop the deciduous green arbour. It provides shade during summer and allows sunlight to stream in during the colder months, setting the scene for a house full of enjoyment,” said Kirby.

Because outdoor life and connections are important to the client, Kirby added features like the powder room with outside access, designed to double as the pool change room. The corten steel pool fencing was custom-made and angled for an unobstructed view from the patio and kitchen to the swimming pool. The dining and family spaces curve around the raised patio and feature a double fireplace, projector and magnificent views over the pool and rear deck.

Team:

Architects: Kirby Architects

Photographer: Jacqui Henshaw