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Collection by Luke Hopping

On a Busy Street in Melbourne, a Brick Home Fits Three Courtyard Retreats

After demolishing a weatherboard building on a bustling roadway in Melbourne, Delia Teschendorff could have instituted a showy architectural marvel that announced its presence as loudly as the passing traffic. Instead, the architect designed a quiet family home that "turns its back" on the street with a studio and plenty of outdoor space.

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A distinct studio with a translucent facade is situated toward the street. Though the residence is very private, the studio glows like a lantern at night, engaging with the streetscape.
A distinct studio with a translucent facade is situated toward the street. Though the residence is very private, the studio glows like a lantern at night, engaging with the streetscape.
The home's studio was initially deemed non-compliant by local authorities for violating the neighborhood's historic character. Thankfully, says Teschendorrf, the decision was overruled by the Building Commission.
The home's studio was initially deemed non-compliant by local authorities for violating the neighborhood's historic character. Thankfully, says Teschendorrf, the decision was overruled by the Building Commission.
The studio shelters the residence's entrance and a wood deck from the street.
The studio shelters the residence's entrance and a wood deck from the street.
The home, which was dubbed Bridge House 2, borrows and expands upon ideas Teschendorrf implemented in her own residence (known as Bridge House 1). Like the original, Bridge House 2 is organized around interior courtyards. Clerestory windows and glass doors fill the kitchen-dining area with light.
The home, which was dubbed Bridge House 2, borrows and expands upon ideas Teschendorrf implemented in her own residence (known as Bridge House 1). Like the original, Bridge House 2 is organized around interior courtyards. Clerestory windows and glass doors fill the kitchen-dining area with light.
The living spaces are separated from the sleeping quarters by an elevated bridge, hence the home's name.
The living spaces are separated from the sleeping quarters by an elevated bridge, hence the home's name.
For privacy and quiet, the home's three bedrooms are situated the furthest from the street. Each faces its own courtyard.
For privacy and quiet, the home's three bedrooms are situated the furthest from the street. Each faces its own courtyard.
The courtyards offer a peaceful respite from the city. "[The home] provides an environment for its inhabitants that is experiential," says Teschendorrf.
The courtyards offer a peaceful respite from the city. "[The home] provides an environment for its inhabitants that is experiential," says Teschendorrf.