This Renovated Victorian in Melbourne Literally Says “Hello” to Passersby

Revamped and expanded to accommodate a home and artist’s studio, Hello House is a true conversation starter.

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St. Kilda–based firm OOF! Architecture gave a Victorian shophouse in Melbourne a new addition and a bold exterior treatment, turning the formerly dysfunctional space into a neighborhood gem.

This Victorian-era home in Melbourne, renovated by OOF! Architecture, maintains privacy from the street, but does so in an unusually "friendly" manner—with a giant brick wall that spells out "Hello," a collaboration with local artist Rose Nolan. The residents wanted their house to appeal to passersby, since it sits on a well-trafficked block near a café.

Photo: Nic Granleese

The front of the house was originally a storefront, with large windows overlooking the street.

Photo: Nic Granleese

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While the back part of the house originally housed the bathroom and laundry rooms, all but making the adjacent garden inaccessible, the new design places the living and dining spaces in this area to maximize natural light. Commonly available materials are used throughout the home, such as plywood and the industrial tresses that criss-cross the open-plan living area.

Photo: Nic Granleese

A polished concrete floor adds an industrial touch. The oven is Siemens, and the cooktop and dishwasher are Miele. The kitchen island is a concrete benchtop resting on a custom steel frame. The pendants are refurbished "Saturn" pendants by Fog & Morup. Curtains allow the residents to divide the space.

Photo: Nic Granleese

The open-plan area is lined with custom plywood cabinets.

Photo: Nic Granleese

A garage-style door separates the patio from the street.

Photo: Nic Granleese

Related Reading: 10 Homes With Distinctive Facades

Project Credits:

Architect: OOF! Architecture, Fooi-Ling Khoo / @fooilingkhoo

Planning + Heritage: David Brand

Collaborating Artist: Rose Nolan

Engineer: A M Daly Structural & Civil Engineers

Building Surveyor: Anthony Middling & Associates