allison jessup

* Project in collaboration with O'Brien Contracting. 

This project was a residential renovation to increase the size of an existing period home to accommodate a large family of five. The works consisted of a complete renovation to the ground floor, converting the existing traditional separate dining, living and lounge rooms into large bedrooms for the three kids and nanny, and a large master bedroom, ensuite and walk in robe. 

The first floor was developed to house a large contemporary open plan kitchen and the living and dining areas. The new work to the first floor was designed to make the most of the grand views from the property out  across the ocean to the west and into the large private garden to the east.

The main challenge that this project resolved was to retain and preserve the original heritage fabric of the period home and subtly integrate it with the  new contemporary spaces and materials to the addition.    

Previously known as the ‘Milne House’, this house was originally designed in 1971 by Robin Boyd. It was his last private residence. As such, the approach for this project was to preserve as much of the house as possible and treat the design with its due respect by making the most minimal alterations possible. The house required a sensitive renovation to provide additional space for a larger family than originally allowed for in original design scheme.

The external form and the majority of the internal programing were both kept in tact with the exception of the original study that was converted into an additional bedroom. A new kitchen, ensuite and bathroom were also included. All of the internal finishes were upgraded and new lighting was installed. 

The internal courtyard and swimming pool were also redeisgned to accomodate a family with four children and the surrounding landscape was designed by Martyn Zdanius at Landprojects.

Built out of an existing warehouse shell, this three level townhouse provides a generous array of spaces arranged in three layered zones. Ground level provides a home office, library, bedroom/rumpus room facing out to a courtyard and the garage. On the middle level open plan living extends out to a terrace with views out to the Melbourne city and Docklands. At the rear is a more secluded and separate living space. The top floor is the master suite, nursery and study. A full height bright red feature wall runs up through all three levels.

Inner city sites with inherent limitations in relation to orientation and access to views require organisational handling to ensure that the resulting solution maximises the available opportunities. The townhouse is as much turned in on itself as it is turned out towards the environment with also provides a sense of privacy and seclusion required for residential existence. 

Materials such as rusted steel and zincalume metal cladding assist the building to sit comfortably yet assertively within the urban context. Large format bluestone paving to the terrace and balconies give aesthetic balance between the city street and the private terrace.

This renovation is a rich tapestry of luxurious materials and colour that celebrates the merging of the different cultural heritage of our clients. The project consisted of constructing an additional level to accommodate a new master bedroom and ensuite upstairs while a new kitchen, living, dining and study was designed for the ground floor.

The design maximised the use of the small house by celebrating the nature of the existing building and intimate scale of the internal spaces.  Efficient and discrete storage allowed for the sensation of spaciousness and luxury throughout the house while the richness of the material palette provided beautiful and stimulating environments within.

The private garden at the rear of the property was also designed in a similar fashion with the paved driveway being a ‘tapesry’ of natural stone and the garden shed being tucked away behind a vibrant glass tile mosaic wall in the garden.

Situated within a relatively conservative suburban district, the architectural solution for this project needed to fit comfortably within its locale as well as express the more progressive ambitions of the client. The front half of the existing double fronted Victorian was revived and re accommodated with new interior elements. A new double storey extension was built at the rear, facing out to a sizeable private garden with swimming pool and landscaping.

From the front entry one moves through the grand front of the old Victorian house via a wide corridor to the north facing rear section of the house. The ground floor of new section of the house with and open, relaxed family zone, featuring a double sided open fire place at the centre of the lounge, dining and  kitchen area.

The first floor of the extension provided space for our clients two children, including two new bedrooms, large rumpus room and a second bathroom. A first floor balcony looks out to the garden below. Opportunities to accommodate our clients art collection were maximised through detailed bespoke joinery and a spare selection of rich materiality gives the space both balance and domestic warmth.

This project was a residential renovation to increase the size of an existing period home to accommodate a large family of five. The works consisted of a complete renovation to the ground floor, converting the existing traditional separate dining, living and lounge rooms into large bedrooms for the three kids and nanny, and a large master bedroom, ensuite and walk in robe. 

The first floor was developed to house a large contemporary open plan kitchen and the living and dining areas. The new work to the first floor was designed to make the most of the grand views from the property out  across the ocean to the west and into the large private garden to the east.

The main challenge that this project resolved was to retain and preserve the original heritage fabric of the period home and subtly integrate it with the  new contemporary spaces and materials to the addition.