Chapter House

Chapter House takes its name from the architectural expression of the two significant stages in the home’s history.

The first, a double-fronted Victorian terrace in Carlton, was Tom Robertson Architects client’s childhood home.

The second is a new contemporary addition that sits behind, gently engaging with the original, where the client now lives with her own young family.

Creating a conscious separation between the two was key to articulating the significance of each of these related yet distinct chapters.

Many of the original details of the terrace were preserved, and the back of the house was retained.

Between the back of the original and the new addition, a rectilinear skylight creates a gap and the floorplate steps down a level.

As a result, moving through the original back door and into the new addition, a sudden sense of light and volume from above is experienced.

The impression created is that one has exited the original home entirely before entering the new, despite the fact that the two are adjoined.

In this way, the Tom Robertson Architects‘ scheme offers a continual reminder of each chapter in the life of the home and its two generations.

In the new addition, a calm, minimal palette of burnished concrete, Carrara marble, dark timber joinery, and cement render prevails.

Expanses of glazing create light-filled spaces and visual connection with the rear yard and swimming pool.

Tom Robertson Architects knew it was important to balance this lightness and openness with a sense of privacy, and, as the new kitchen and living space faces west, to provide shade from the strong afternoon sun.

In a simple, efficient move, they positioned the upper storey to shade the lower level and to protect the threshold between the inside and the adjacent outdoor deck.

From the mindful preservation of the heritage details of the original terrace to the equally considered new addition, contrast defines and articulates context.

By emphasising the individuality of the old and the new, Tom Robertson Architects has given each story of Chapter House its due.

Project Details

Project size – 149 m2
Completion date – 2019
Building levels – 2

Project Details

Architecture

Tom Robertson Architects

Tom Robertson Architects are a diverse team, driven by a shared love of exceptional architecture. Tom Robertson began his career with Fender Katsalidis Architects working on major local and international projects. Motivated by his belief in personal, flexible service, he established Tom Robertson Architects in 2013.

www.tomrobertson.com.au

Photography

Jack Lovel

Jack Lovel is an architectural photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. With ten years worth of experience, Jack has worked with some of the leading architects and design practices in the field including Splinter Society, Carr Design, Christopher Elliott and Biasol. His editorial work has featured in global publications like Dwell, Elle Decoration, Houses and Habitus.

Alongside his freelance practice, Jack has spent three years documenting Iwan Iwannoff’s architectural legacy in Western Australia, culminating in a 2019 exhibition entitled The Architecture of Iwan Iwanoff – Through the lens of Jack Lovel at Perth’s There Is Studio.

This body of work was initially inspired by the Iwanoff-designed Jordanoff house that Jack grew up in, and is a testament to his long fascination with – and passion for – contemporary architecture.

www.jacklovel.com