Rosstang Architects were commissioned to design and supervise the construction of an extensive renovation of a large 1910 picturesque heritage dwelling sited within a fabulous garden setting in Melbourne, Australia.
The brief was to transform this neglected house into a contemporary, comfortable, and beautiful home.
The aim was to bring life back to the house.
And to celebrate its wonderful features: the large, well-proportioned formal rooms, the bay windows, the rambling first floor within the existing roof space, and all of its colliding ceilings and hidden cupboards.
In short, the house needed to support a 21st century lifestyle and become a family friendly space – not intimidating for the family, their friends, or guests.
Rosstang Architects achieved this by maintaining an appropriate scale that complimented the existing dwelling while using textural and tactile materials that were both welcoming and approachable.
Careful consideration was paid to ensure the connection where the existing building met the new extension was respectful to the heritage of the building while also celebrating the junction.
This was achieved by using textures, materials, and framing devices, such as windows, to define the moment of transition.
In the existing home, there were several dark and underutilized spaces. By creating openings and allowing natural light in, Rosstang Architects brought life and joy back into these neglected spaces.
The new extension and connections to the outdoors intervene, but do not interfere, with the old building so that it can continue to be relevant in an evolving context.
The result of this renovation by Rosstang Architects was a delightfully revitalised heritage home that contributes significantly not only to its inhabitants, but to the streetscape and broader environment beyond.
Project Details
Site size – 2,960 m2
Completion date – 2018
Building levels – 2
Awards
Shortlisted for Houses Awards 2019, Houses in a Heritage Context
Shortlisted for Houses Awards 2019, House Alteration + Addition over 200sqm
Project Team
Architecture
Rosstang Architecture
Rosstang are experienced architects and interior designers of inspirational residences: often with historic significance.
They design tailored solutions with values that are unique and important to their clients. The resulting transformations are emotionally enriching, carefully considered within their site context, and function seamlessly.
Landscape Design
Kate Seddon Landscape Design
Kate Seddon Landscape Design, based in Melbourne Australia, aims to design gardens for living in. Integrating design and horticultural expertise, there is a keen focus on planting design and choosing plants and materials suited to the setting, a more sustainable approach to garden design. Commissioned projects include gardens throughout Melbourne’s suburbs, the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, the Surf Coast and interstate, which range in style and size from courtyards through to larger scale landscapes.
Building Contractor
Kleev Homes
Kleev Homes is a residential building company specialising in custom designed renovations and new builds. The team at Kleev Homes are passionate about creating projects that are of the very best in quality. James Kleverlaan, the director has worked in the building industry for 27 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience with high end custom designed projects. The team has undertaken approximately 170 projects ranging from bespoke renovations and additions, to units and large custom built residences.
Structural Engineering
T.D. & C
T.D & C Pty Ltd has acted as consulting engineers since 1980 and is now a medium-sized consultant with an extensive record of successful projects.
Photography
Hilary Bradford
Hilary Bradford is a Melbourne based photographer specialising in architecture, interiors and lifestyle photography.
Working as an architect for over ten years before embarking on a career in photography, Hilary has been immersed in the design world for much of her working life. Her design background has given her the ability to interpret the brief and understand the client’s needs with an added awareness of having worked in the architectural field for many years.
www.hilarybradfordphoto.com.au
Photo Gallery
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Design © 2020 Rosstang Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Hilary Bradford. All Rights Reserved.
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