St Kilda East House
Luke Fry Architecture were engaged by longtime homeowners to design a timeless and contemporary expansion to their beloved family Art Deco home in Melbourne.
A timeless and contemporary extension of space that respectfully responds to the existing heritage of the building through a conscious aesthetic contrast, which utilises equally high-quality materials. The square steel form responds to the existing circular and triangular forms as a recognisable primary shape, executed in a contemporary and highly detailed manner. The light filled interior emulates the material and detail of the existing interior features creating a strong connection between new and old. The use of light and dark material creates moody spaces expected to be found in a home of this era.
The clients of this original Art Deco home have owned it for 25 years and raised their family in it, without any modifications over time. They wanted to improve the dark and disfunctional spaces of the house, primarily the ground floor kitchen, meals and laundry to create better entertaining spaces both indoor and outdoor as well as adding an additional bathroom. The house needed to reflect the way they live today which has changed over time, now with adult children who come and go regularly. New finishes and fittings throughout the house.
The execution of the highly detailed design and craftsmanship of construction sets a precedent for how best to renovate and prolong the life of a period home without an excessive cost or extensive demolition. The architectural solution to the clients brief and existing site conditions is one of constraint and consideration which, in response, adds cultural value to not only the house itself but enriches the neighbourhood character.
Design: Luke Fry Architecture & Interior Design
Photography: Derek Swalwell
