If it wasn’t for the bright yellow door, you would be forgiven for not noticing any change to this Fitzroy North home. Completed in mid-2021, this labour of love seeming appeared from nowhere as it was miraculously constructed and compete during the Melbourne lockdowns.
The OH House, situated in the heart of the busy Edinburgh Gardens precinct, is a contemporary alterations and additions project that showcases Rebecca Naughtin Architect’s pedigree in heritage renovations. With a dual frontage, the project developed two contrasting faces for each streetscape, with the front remaining sympathetic to the heritage context and the rear celebrating the suburbs rich culture of contemporary architecture.
This project embraces the constrains of an urban context defined by small blocks struggling with daylighting, open space, setbacks, and overlooking. The buildings footprint barely increases in an attempt to preserve as much courtyard and backyard space. Instead, the modest internal layout is reworked to transform tired spaces into a comfortable, light filled home. Crafting an inviting kitchen that served as a communal space was a crucial element in fulfilling the clients' vision, a skilled chef. Centrally located, adjacent to the new staircase, the kitchen became the domain seamlessly integrates the rear addition with every facet of their home. By eliminating the distinct boundary between functional areas and the relaxed living space, we were able to promote an effortless flow throughout the entire ground floor, spilling into the landscaped courtyard through large sliding doors.
The OH House showcases a fusion of design elements, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior spaces through colour and texture. The kitchen's sleek monochrome palette of Dulux Silver Tea Set with black accents, is enhanced by the warmth and texture of the Tongue & Groove Chamoisee flooring. This dynamic combination is repeated throughout the different areas of the home. The kitchen is a striking contrast to the living room’s interplay of warmth and texture, courtesy of the European Oak joinery and bespoke furniture pieces. The lounge space boasts thoughtfully designed joinery and elongated feature shelves to highlight the clients’ collection of all things Japanese. This cosy area offers the perfect setting for game nights or leisurely lounging, while allowing glimpses into the exterior courtyard beyond.
In a bustling neighbourhood, privacy and surveillance are key considerations in façade design. The OH House’s captivating interplay of steel supports and vertical battens not only contribute to the overall aesthetic but also play a vital role in the facades dual function as overlooking screening and shading. These operable screens create a dynamic façade that plays with light and shadow and protects a secluded master bedroom balcony while maintaining a picturesque view of the surrounding roof ridge and tree line.
Whilst modest in approach, this home achieves everything it set out to do and more. It has allowed the owners to fall in love with their home all over again and has reinvigorated it for a growing family to enjoy. As the sun sets, the hit-and-miss battens reveal glimpses of the home's new lease on life.