Designed by C.Kairouz Architects, the Jenkins Street project is a juxtaposition in many ways.
It flawlessly mixes private and intimate spaces with open plan living and the architecture provides contrast with new modern-contemporary meeting with old period-art deco.
The dynamic of old and new, and diversity on a functional level as well as a visual level, alludes to a home with a perceived split personality; made tranquil with the right balance of yin and yang.
The main challenge C.Kairouz Architects faced was set by the owner.
Their client wanted to transform the dilapidated-yet-characterful art deco house into a modern family home with a ‘wow factor’, large enough to have three bedrooms and two living rooms with additional storage.
Capturing light in a south-facing block in Melbourne also elicited its own challenges.
The existing 165 m2 art deco home is a Northcote original from the 1930’s, situated at the front of a 557 m2 block.
The 110 m2 extension utilised the generous space in the backyard and was brought right to the end of the site, transforming the traditional backyard into a modern one with multiple breakaway courtyards situated in different parts around the extension.
Blending the old with the new meant reviving the front of the house and incorporating a modern back.
The quiet, private areas of the home are located at the front, where C.Kairouz Architects restored the beautiful existing Tasmanian oak timber flooring and revived the original ceiling rosettes with a modern, clean white.
The floorplan naturally encourages people to move through the space into the louder heart of the home; the open living and entertaining area at the back.
Materials selections change from warm and luxurious to bold and sleek with a slight industrial undertone, with inspirations drawn from the immediate context of Northcote.
C.Kairouz Architects decided that the perfect vessel for the journey between the old and the new would be a walk bridge, creating an impactful transition between the spaces.
Made solely of steel and glass, it was strategically built to capture as much sun as possible on the south-facing block, acting as the catalyst into the new part of the home.
The end of the walk bridge is met with a large open entertainment area where form breaks down into a single open space.
With an angled ceiling, the room is surrounded in windows that accentuate the height and allow the northern sun to penetrate.
The feature concrete floor captures the eye with its industrial vibe and facilitates a passive heating and cooling system; it warms up under direct sunlight during the day, only to slowly emit the heat in the colder Melbourne evenings.
In one corner is a statement black kitchen, clad in metal-look cabinetry and topped with calacatta oro marble and bluestone benchtops.
The oversize kitchen island features a cantilevered benchtop for additional width encouraging its practical use as a sit-down bar, buffet server, or conversation space.
The rear of the room is separated by a concrete block, topped with a bespoke television unit with full 360 degree rotation, meaning that the television becomes highly convenient and practical as it can be viewed from any area of the room.
On the back of the unit is a mirror, further emphasising the juxtaposing theme of the house, capturing different reflections of the living space depending on its orientation, and the orientation of the viewer.
Project Details
Project Size – 275 m2
Site Area – 557 m2
Project Budget – $750,000
Completion Date – 2018
Building Levels – 1
Project Team
Architecture
C.Kairouz Architects
Founded in 2010 by Managing Director, Chahid Kairouz, the practice was formed from humble beginnings, and has since grown to encompass a strong, diverse team of individuals, who each bring with them their own unique story and experience.
Project Management
Shepherd Consulting Group
The Shepherd team has more than 50 years of experience in the property and construction industry. They oversee and advise on every part of a project, providing the same professionalism that is expected on larger commercial projects and apply it to boutique residential and multi-residential projects.
Construction
JRC Builders
Melbourne-based J&RC Builders specialise in high-end residential projects. Through reputation and word-of-mouth, they have quickly established themselves as a company that strives for excellence.
Photography
Peter Clarke
Peter is an established commercial photographer with over 20 years’ experience in his field. Over the years, Peter has gained extensive knowledge and experience documenting the built environment, as well as natural and man-made landscapes.
His collaborative approach and strong vision has seen his unique graphic style applied to a wide range of industries including architecture, construction, mining and aviation.
Peter works with a diverse range of clients including architects, design practices, government bodies, listed companies, and publishers.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2020 C.Kairouz Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Peter Clarke. All Rights Reserved.
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