In Melbourne, a Quaint Victorian Facade Gives Way to Swaths of Marble and Rich Wood Paneling

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Project Details:

Location:  Melbourne, Australia

Architect: Project 12 Architecture / @project12architecture

Contractor: Samatz Construction

Structural Engineer: Meyer Consulting

Landscape Architect: Annabelle Drew Landscape Architect / @annabelle_drew_landscapedesign

Cabinetry: Kurv Living

Photographer: Derek Swalwell / @derek_swalwell

From the Architect: "Carlton North Residence is a heritage listed, double-fronted Victorian terrace that already had a sympathetic two-story extension at the rear. Our clients have three teenage children, so space was at a premium and the main driver behind the renovation was to create spaces where family members can choose to be alone, or come together. Another design challenge was to maximize every aspect of the site while respecting and responding to the dense inner-suburban context. The only room that has remained intact is the front living room, which has been converted into a teenager’s retreat. The rest of the existing house has been reconfigured to accommodate children’s and guest bedrooms, a family bathroom, powder room, and storage.

"The generous kitchen/dining area opens onto the courtyard and pool, while a new extension hugs the southern boundary, opening the living spaces to the northerly sun. Lightwells and skylights punctuate the plan to provide additional light, and judiciously placed screen provide both privacy and sun-shading. A parent’s retreat is situated on the first floor looking down onto the garden and pool below. A study and storeroom are located to the rear of the site, with additional bedroom and en suite accessed via a separate stair above.

"Spotted gum timber has been used for the flooring, doors, joinery panels and stairs to establish a subtle but undeniable connection between the various rooms and levels. Externally, around the garden and pool, the material palette is more varied—the white brick walls juxtaposed with the black perforated panel screens and sections of charred timber paneling, all of it softened by the greenery of a small lawn and its accompanying plantings. The end result is a spacious, private home that overcomes the challenges of a densely packed, inner-city suburb; a forever home that will continue providing for everyone’s needs as they change over time."

More from Project 12 Architecture:

A Black Timber Screen Conceals a Family’s Lush Hideaway on the Victoria Coast