House with Pergola
Interior design | Glen Iris VIC, Australia
The weatherboard residence situated on a verdant, tree-lined street in Glen Iris has undergone a comprehensive architectural transformation. While the restoration preserves the historical façade at the front of the house, the remainder of the structure is reimagined. This sustainable approach both safeguards the dwelling’s cultural heritage and introduces innovative spatial and material strategies to meet modern domestic needs.
A significant component of the renovation involves the reorganisation of internal spaces. Rather than adhering to the original compartmentalised layout, the design consolidates or adapts existing rooms to cultivate an expansive, open-plan environment that seamlessly integrates with the outdoor context.
This spatial reconfiguration not only enhances visual and physical connectivity but also amplifies natural light distribution, thereby increasing the
perceived volume and functionality of communal areas.
The external material palette is refined through the application of fair-toned concrete blockwork. This intervention delivers a contemporary visual expression, creating a dialogue between historical and modern architectural languages. The juxtaposition of concrete with the original weatherboard underscores the project's commitment to contextual sensitivity while signaling architectural progress.
Internally, functional zones such as the laundry and pantry are consolidated into a singular, volumetric enclosure, clad in natural timber veneer. This deliberate material selection serves as a tactile and visual accent within the open plan, providing both unity and differentiation. The integration of service spaces into a coherent design element exemplifies a sophisticated approach to spatial organisation, wherein utility is enhanced without compromising aesthetic integrity.
Photos by Derek Swalwell
The weatherboard residence situated on a verdant, tree-lined street in Glen Iris has undergone a comprehensive architectural transformation. While the restoration preserves the historical façade at the front of the house, the remainder of the structure is reimagined. This sustainable approach both safeguards the dwelling’s cultural heritage and introduces innovative spatial and material strategies to meet modern domestic needs.
A significant component of the renovation involves the reorganisation of internal spaces. Rather than adhering to the original compartmentalised layout, the design consolidates or adapts existing rooms to cultivate an expansive, open-plan environment that seamlessly integrates with the outdoor context.
This spatial reconfiguration not only enhances visual and physical connectivity but also amplifies natural light distribution, thereby increasing the
perceived volume and functionality of communal areas.
The external material palette is refined through the application of fair-toned concrete blockwork. This intervention delivers a contemporary visual expression, creating a dialogue between historical and modern architectural languages. The juxtaposition of concrete with the original weatherboard underscores the project's commitment to contextual sensitivity while signaling architectural progress.
Internally, functional zones such as the laundry and pantry are consolidated into a singular, volumetric enclosure, clad in natural timber veneer. This deliberate material selection serves as a tactile and visual accent within the open plan, providing both unity and differentiation. The integration of service spaces into a coherent design element exemplifies a sophisticated approach to spatial organisation, wherein utility is enhanced without compromising aesthetic integrity.
Photos by Derek Swalwell
Client: Private
Interior Design and Schematic Planning: Studio Jigen
Architecture: Alte Studio
Construction: Prolifica
Photos: Derek Swalwell
Interior Design and Schematic Planning: Studio Jigen
Architecture: Alte Studio
Construction: Prolifica
Photos: Derek Swalwell