When Krati and Sachin first approached Melbourne practice Inbetween Architecture, they had their sights set on a renovation of their existing home. “They were not passionate about building new,” remembers firm founder John Liu. “But the site and home were not conducive to what they wanted to achieve.”

Krati and Sachin, both medical professionals, are first-generation immigrants from India who have a son and a dog. The couple made Australia their home long ago, but were looking to deepen these roots with a property they could enjoy for years to come. As soon as everyone realized that they wouldn’t be able to expand the floor plan of their current home as much as they wanted, they found a property in Wheelers Hill, a suburb in southeast Melbourne, that set them up for an ideal compromise: They’d build a new home, but it would be designed to fit with the neighborhood, which had a lot to offer.

“The area was developed in the late ’70s and early ’80s with a lot of grand brick dwellings on generous lots,” Liu says. “Due to the hilly nature of the neighborhood, many houses have fantastic views of the nearby Dandenong Ranges.”

The couple envisioned a home where their family could connect and they could unwind from work, but they also wanted it to touch on their roots. Liu and the team combined a straightforward layout—four bedrooms with a mix of outdoor and indoor common spaces—with some traditional elements, like a prayer room, and more details that blend the family’s past and present.

“They wanted a home that honored their [Indian] heritage but equally reflected their gratitude for the life they had made for themselves, and their family, in their adopted Australia,” says Liu. “We explored the elements that they associated with their formative years in India, such as rich timbers, strong colors, and ideas around permanence and security.”

“[Our clients] are proud of the life they have built, and this home is testament to that.”
—John Liu, architect

The property is broken into three living spaces consisting of a casual hangout hub beside the kitchen for everyday comings and goings, a more traditional conversation area that’s centered around a fireplace, and a “snug”—a cozy hideaway—upstairs for things like movie nights or games with friends. The bedrooms are steps from the snug, and there’s a self-contained suite near the entryway for visiting grandparents.

The home, made of recycled brick, looks as if it existed when the neighborhood initially came to be, while the interiors have a more contemporary feel. “We approached decisions on their own merits, rather than prioritizing consistency,” Liu says. “As a result, no two windows are the same, each space is conceived to address its use, and finishes were selected in accordance with their functional and experiential qualities. This gave the flexibility to mix ideas.”

Timber-framed windows punctuate the residence, which is topped with a mix of flat and pitched roofs. Large-format windows frame the neighborhood’s greenery while white walls accentuate it. In honor of the couple’s heritage, a second living space contains colorful fabrics and artifacts they’ve collected during travels back home. They imagined the space for visiting family to gather. “Color is injected sparingly to balance the neutrals and to give a focus to each space,” Liu says.

The design process started in 2018, but its one-year construction timeline didn’t kick off until 2020, during Melbourne’s lockdowns, which meant the couple couldn’t visit the site for much of the construction period, says Liu. But the results are a testament to the trust between parties. “It feels like a true reflection of them, one that will continue to grow and change as their family needs do,” says Liu. “And for us, their home shows how a new build can be layered, rich, and full of personality.”

More from Inbetween Architecture:

A Remodel Turns a Dark and Choppy House in Melbourne Into a Bright, Flexible Family Home

Project Details:

Architect of Record: Inbetween Architecture / @inbetweenarchitecture

Builder: Scale Constructions

Structural Engineer: STRUCTed Consulting Engineering

Landscape Design: Straw Brothers

Cabinetry Fabrication: MTR Designer Cabinets