LOCATION : BLACK ROCK, VICTORIA

Eliza House is located in an enviable neighbourhood pcoket of Black Rock. The previous dwelling was a Post-war double-fronted brick-veneered house which was part of the common building stock of its time and did not hold any heritage significance. The old house had familiar characteristics of its Post-war pedigree by way of low ceilings and an awkwardly laid out horse-shoe internal configuration, so the logical decision was made to take a knock-down/rebuild approach.

The design brief called for a practical, fuss-free home that will last for years to come and our challenge was to create a design that responds to the homeowners’ present & future needs.

While the existing building was of no heritage significance, a conscious decision to retain and edit parts of the existing fabric was inspired by the original horse-shoe shaped building layout that prioritised an east-facing courtyard which enjoyed lovely morning light.

Gardens and landscaping have the space to ‘breathe’ and occupy their own parts around the house which, in time, complement and soften the angular edges of the building’s skin. Full-height glazed sliders are able to be stacked or concealed to allow the living spaces to open up completely to the outdoors.

Despite the generous feel of the open plan living space downstairs, the home has been designed with privacy of neighbours in mind with custom cedar screening to both the front and rear upper-level facades.

Exterior finishes of black timber battens, white-painted recycled bricks and a velvety grey cement render collectively form a sophisticated material palette that is understated yet timeless. The colour palette was intentionally monochromatic to pair with the subtle textural qualities of the building materials.

Photography by Dave Kulesza.

Styled by Bea + Co.

AWARDS

2023 Archello Awards - House of the Year (Urban) Finalist

2023 Archdaily Building of the Year Nominee

LOCATION : KOOYONG, VICTORIA

Open Shut House is a contemporary addition to a semi-detached Inter-war dwelling that caters to the growing needs of a large family. The new addition is connected to the original building via a soaring central atrium to create unique interstitial spaces that respond to the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

A series of tiered living spaces cascade from the belly of the house towards the rear, opening up to a landscaped garden. Well-positioned openings bring borrowed amenity into the home to strengthen the bond between its inside spaces and the outside, enriching the quality of living for the family.

Photography by Dave Kulesza.

Styled by Bea + Co / Studio Georg.

AWARDS

2022 ArchDaily Building of the Year Nominee

2021 Melbourne Design Awards, Architecture Residential Constructed, Silver

2021 Dezeen Awards, Residential Rebirth Project, Longlist

2021 ArchiTeam Awards, Residential Alterations and Additions Awards: $1m +, Commendation

2021 TIDA Australia Homes, Highly Commended

LOCATION : COBURG, VICTORIA

Coburg Freeboard House is a Federation-style bungalow that has been refurbished and extended with a contemporary double-storey addition to its rear. The new extension is raised in response to the flood-prone site, creating a series of terraced floorplates that present opportunities for the formation of interesting spaces within the house.

A generously sized site allowed for the creation of different zones within the main footprint of the house, punctuated by pockets of greenery in the form of courtyards to ‘bring the outdoors in’. 

Full-height glazed sliding doors, frameless windows and an open-plan layout facilitate this concept of ‘indoor/outdoor living’ whilst ensuring clever passive design principles are practically and successfully employed throughout the house. 

The main living areas are designed and oriented around a north-facing central courtyard, resulting in well-lit and well-ventilated spaces connected by a ‘green’ corridor. 

Photography by Tess Kelly.

Styled by Bea + Co.

AWARDS

2022 ArchDaily Building of the Year Nominee

2021 TIDA Australia Architect Renovation, Runner-up

LOCATION : ALBERT PARK, VICTORIA

Downside Up House is an exercise in designing “big home features” on a small footprint. Great care was taken in retaining and restoring the original heritage house in the front.

A typical "rear extension" treatment was turned on its head. Living spaces were promoted upstairs and all bedrooms were organised at ground level which borrows the inherent privacy and security afforded by a new boundary wall facing the laneway.

The triangular-shaped site is only 130sqm, however through thoughtful design and strategic landscaping, the house does not compromise on light, space and quality of living.

Photography by Tatjana Plitt.

Styled by Rowena Moore.

AWARDS

2020 City of Port Phillip Design & Development Awards, Award for Excellence, Heritage

2020 City of Port Phillip Design & Development Awards, Commendation, Residential

2020 City of Port Phillip Design & Development Awards, Shortlist, Sustainability

LOCATION : EAST MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

Henry House is a 140-year-old Victorian terrace house that has been refurbished and extended with a contemporary rear ground level extension.

Great care was taken in addressing heritage issues, especially in a neighbourhood known for some immaculate examples of 19th century terrace houses. The heritage house was treated with sensitivity in its face-lift to retain its character and charm.

The bones of the old building were in excellent condition so efforts were focused on the new ground floor extension to bring this home into the new century. A key ambition was to create a fluid passage of travel through the main spine of the building, in contrast to a typical hallway of this type of period building. This was achieved by adopting an open plan arrangement in the extension and framing the end of this visual axis with a large window and daybed that extend the line of sight into the raised garden. The consolidated living configuration made the most of its fortuitous north facing aspect, drawing as much northerly light close to the belly of the building.

The use of natural materials (timber, concrete, steel) in contemporary geometries provides a logical counterpoint to the ornamental and decorative nature of the old house. This modern-day extension writes yet another chapter in the book of this house, adding to and enhancing the features and qualities of the heritage building.

Photography by Derek Swalwell.

Styled by Bea + Co.

LOCATION : RICHMOND, VICTORIA

This duplex development is conceptually crafted to appear as a single, unified dwelling, offering a distinctive contrast to the prevalent trend of twin-townhouse subdivisions on narrow lots. The asymmetrical frontage, thoughtfully designed to address site-specific constraints, allows each residence to express its own unique character and identity.

Both the exterior and interior spaces feature a warm, robust material palette, enriched with subtle yet playful accents of colour, creating an inviting and vibrant atmosphere.

LOCATION : WHEELERS HILL, VICTORIA

Perched atop a serene hillside with sweeping views of the Dandenong Ranges, this multi-generational home seamlessly integrates with its sloping site.

The house is thoughtfully designed with tiered levels that cater to the diverse needs of its occupants, creating distinct private and communal spaces.

Every opportunity is taken to frame the breathtaking vistas, enhancing the connection between the indoors and the natural environment.

LOCATION : BOX HILL, VICTORIA

STATUS : TOWN PLANNING

Combarton House stands as a distinctive single-storey extension to a century-old Californian bungalow, deeply rooted in the historical fabric of the Combarton Street Precinct. This contemporary addition both embraces and honors the historical character of its predecessor while enhancing the living experience for its current and future inhabitants.

At the core of the residence is a meticulously crafted courtyard, serving as the heart of domestic life and a central visual focal point from the primary living spaces. These spaces are thoughtfully connected by a central axis that defines the architectural flow of the home, culminating in the rear living room where a dramatic architectural gesture unfolds in the form of a sweeping curved ceiling.

The interior design is a result of thoughtful planning, seamlessly integrating expansive living areas within a modest architectural form—one driven by functionality and practicality.

LOCATION : MALVERN, VICTORIA

STATUS : CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

Glenview House unfolds as a harmonious extension of an original Merchant Builders residence from 1984. A new outdoor privacy screen, with its gracefully curved silhouette, gently envelops the existing dwelling, creating both a metaphorical and physical embrace of the original structure. This screen, reminiscent of a delicate curtain, filters daylight softly, casting intricate shadows across the portico. Arched openings within the screen suggest a sense of unveiling, inviting fluid movement around and within the space.

The contemporary additions blend seamlessly with the original structure, preserving the distinctive charm and legacy of a Merchant Builders home. On a more intimate, human scale, these additions introduce an element of drama and discovery, enriching the living experience for the occupants.

Our design approach reflects the principles that inspired Merchant Builders—driven by the synergy of thoughtful design, sensitive integration with the environment, and the enduring relevance of our homes within the broader context of lifestyle.

LOCATION : TANDAROOK, VICTORIA

STATUS : CONCEPT DESIGN

Tandarook Farmstead represents a bold expansion of an aged Californian-bungalow-inspired home, situated in the rural landscape of Tandarook. The contemporary addition is intentionally set apart from the original structure by a glazed bridge, which plays a key role in preserving the integrity of the historic dwelling while allowing the new extension to establish its presence with respectful separation.

Drawing inspiration from its predecessor, the new structure offers a contemporary interpretation that subtly echoes the essence of the original home. Defined by a simple geometric form and a restrained material palette, it thoughtfully reinterprets the design language of the existing dwelling.

The alignment of roof pitches is crucial in harmonising the forms of both the new and old structures. This nuanced approach fosters a refined dialogue between tradition and modernity.

LOCATION : ASCOT VALE, VICTORIA

STATUS : CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

Tucked away on a distinctive battle-axe plot, this new residence is discreetly concealed by surrounding structures, maintaining an understated presence from the street.

The vision was to create a home that seamlessly integrates with its environment, maximising livability and transforming it from mere housing into a private retreat. Almost invisible to passersby and neighbours, this residence becomes a secluded sanctuary for its owners—a personal escape.

The design embraces subtle, thoughtful spaces that form the foundation of a building in harmony with the heritage context of its surroundings.

LOCATION : RICHMOND, VICTORIA

STATUS : UNDER CONSTRUCTION

A series of three conjoined townhouses located close to the main arterial heartbeat of Bridge Road in Richmond.

LOCATION : PORT MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

STATUS : UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The owners of this heritage-listed Fowler-designed house, situated in the renowned Fishermans Bend Estate, sought to create a family sanctuary while still enjoying the nearby beach amenities.

Our design proposal reimagines the traditional beach house within the context of suburban living. The project also emphasises sustainable design within the constraints of a small-sized allotment typical of homes from that era.

The new extension is thoughtfully oriented to embrace passive solar principles, maximising natural daylight in the living areas and ensuring optimal airflow throughout the home. The introduction of multiple courtyards, a rooftop terrace, and a versatile indoor/outdoor verandah adds functional value and addresses the inefficiencies of the original pre-cast heritage structure.

LOCATION : CAMBERWELL, VICTORIA

STATUS : TOWN PLANNING

The ambitious project to develop a vacant parcel of land behind a row of commercial shops presented both a challenge and an opportunity to enhance residential density while preserving the cherished character of the neighborhood.

Located on a commercial site within a general residential zone, the design for these townhouses had to be sensitive to the established neighbouring properties while contributing positively to the neighbourhood's identity through high-quality architectural design.

The design approach focused on creating a modest yet efficient layout to maximise the site's utility. A clear distinction was made between the existing commercial buildings and the new residences to ensure each maintained its own unique street and visual identity.

External finishes and materials were thoughtfully chosen to harmonise with the local aesthetic. Incorporating vertical planting was a key element of the design, not only to soften the building's mass but also to encourage the development of small urban gardens, enhancing small-scale living.

LOCATION : SOUTHBANK, VICTORIA

TYPE : BESPOKE FURNITURE/JOINERY DESIGN

A common challenge for apartment owners is inadequate storage, with many standard apartment units failing to meet their occupants' needs until a customised solution is implemented.

In this interior design project for an aging Southbank apartment, the focus was on refreshing the main living and dining areas while enhancing storage options. The apartment's layout provided an opportunity to transform an entire wall into a continuous bank of cupboards.

The design features a clean, uncluttered aesthetic with straightforward lines, cost-effective materials, and concealed fixtures. Bronzed mirrors in the buffet-counter recess offer a striking contrast to the simple material palette. The result is a cohesive storage solution that elegantly 'conceals and reveals,' integrating seamlessly with the apartment’s overall design.

LOCATION : BALWYN, VICTORIA

STATUS : SCHEMATIC DESIGN

This residential plot, originally designated for a subdivided townhouse, is being reimagined with a more contemporary approach, departing from the former scheme.

The new design retains the original building footprint and the existing shared party wall with the neighbouring unit. In a bold move, the building's 'outer skin' is metaphorically peeled away to reveal a contrasting interplay of warm and cool exterior finishes—hard-timber cladding paired with off-white render.

The building's form remains pure and unaltered. Inspired by Origami, windows and skylights emerge from the playful unfolding of surfaces. These 'folds' serve dual purposes as sun-shading devices and privacy screens, allowing natural light to penetrate the deeper recesses of the long, narrow house.

LOCATION : BALWYN NORTH, VICTORIA

STATUS : SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Nestled in a tranquil area of Balwyn, this irregularly shaped corner lot features a pronounced North-South slope. Our task was to replace the existing cottage with a contemporary home that offers ample outdoor space for a young family.

To address the site's unique characteristics, our design strategy focused on optimising the family’s functional spaces for increased utility and natural light. This was achieved by incorporating 'break-out' green spaces through sheltered courtyards, which introduce pockets of greenery into the home while maintaining privacy.

Leveraging the site’s slope, we positioned private bedrooms above the lower-level living areas, allowing northern sunlight to naturally illuminate these communal spaces. The main entry and double-car carport are designed as a single-storey structure facing the main road, in harmony with the street scale and neighbourhood character.

LOCATION : MELBOURNE CBD, VICTORIA

The design of the new addition to the Luxbite family, patisserie ‘T by Luxbite’, aims to show that the best things can come in small packages, just like their pastries within. The overall design focuses on the presentation and quality of the shop’s unique products; complementing them without overshadowing them.

The shop’s name is derived from their sale pastry of choice, tarts. Similarly, the meticulous interior design draws inspiration from the intricately crafted tarts. The shop’s 19sqm ground floor corner location along Flinders Lane required a stronger emphasis on shop-front prominence, and maximizing the use of all available internal space.

Inspired by cafes in Japan where creative use of small spaces permeates through the design, a clever layout ensures that all kitchen equipment were well located for staff to work in comfortably. The result is also a more-than-generous amount of storage throughout. The minimalistic approach continues with a simple material palette, coupling with straight geometries to achieve a regulated a sense of order.  

Overhead steel cages wrap from the ceiling and walls to conjure a sense of layered depth. This feature works in tandem with dramatic lighting (via striplights and suspended globes) to lend a sense of occasion to the space. An adjacent full-height mirror serves to not only to create the illusion of an enlarged space, but to also mirror the steel cages to display the letter ‘T’, thereby reinforcing the shop’s brand.

Photography by Fraser Marsden.

LOCATION : SEDDON, VICTORIA

The Little Man Cafe is located along the main community strip in the quaint part of Seddon. The neighbourhood has undergone a shift in pace over the last few years of a gentrified nature which sees more cafes and small businesses sprouting up accompanying the influx of younger families moving into the area.

An open plan layout was adopted to maximise the use of space and take advantage of the length of the shop. A fully equipped kitchen was allocated to the back of house, and a secondary feature kitchen was strategically positioned to allow patrons to interact with the barista and strike up conversations like one would around a friend’s kitchen island. High bench seatings are located along the length of wall next to the kitchen where a bustling of activity is never too far away.

A restrained material & colour palette was carefully curated to create a fine balance between warm and sharp aesthetics; to be welcoming yet uncluttered. A predominantly white backdrop provided a crisp canvas for highlights of colour to be used considerately. Minimal structural intervention was required in order to preserve the bones of the buildings. The existing pitched ceiling towards the rear, a charm of the original building, was restored and repainted.

In collaboration with Michael Ong and Kitinan Kietgumjorn.

Photography by David Yeow.

LOCATION : MELBOURNE CBD, VICTORIA

Ramenya in Emporium Melbourne is the latest addition to its chain of restaurants in the CBD. A unique aspect of this project was the introduction of another food outlet under one roof. The shop tenancy was to incorporate another restaurant – 1000wat, a no-frills Thai eatery. The tenancy is to house both brands in a co-op fashion where both shops’ day-to-day operations functioned in tandem within the same space.

This was an opportunity to bring together 2 different specialised cuisines in a shared space. The brief called for a design which was robust enough to cater to the needs of both restaurants, be able to relay a clear separation of the brands to patrons, and still able to unify these elements under a single architectural gesture.

The main design idea postulated the adoption of 2 sets of perforated steel screens set perpendicular to each other. The screens worked well to offer a visual distinction between the 2 restaurants, as well as create a layered aesthetic akin to Japanese rice-paper screens with varying degrees of transparency. This provided visual depth and a sense of discovery, drawing patrons into the space itself.

An honest material palette was employed to inject a bit of Melbourne’s laneways into an otherwise ultra-polished shopping centre. The combination of unpolished steel, natural timbers and white-washed bricks stayed true to the restaurants’ street food style.

In collaboration with Michael Ong and Kitinan Kietgumjorn.

Photography by Fraser Marsden.

AWARDS

Australian Interior Design Awards 2015 - Hospitality category - Shortlist