Hawksburn House
Traditional Custodians: Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation
Location: South Yarra, Victoria
Floor Area/Land Area: 215sqm/235sqm
Hawksburn House is a modern home set within the heritage‐rich context of South Yarra. While the original structure was completely demolished, the new build thoughtfully integrates with its historical surroundings by employing traditional materials in a contemporary way, delivering a design that feels both exciting and familiar.
The design intention was to honor the surrounding heritage while providing a modern, light‐filled environment suited for contemporary family life. The home utilizes a palette of materials that evoke the area’s architectural history—such as brick, timber, and steel—but applies them in a fresh, innovative manner to create a familiar yet forward‐thinking space.
Situated in a quiet cul‐de‐sac of single‐fronted terraces, one of the primary challenges was softening the 20‐meter frontage to harmonize with the existing streetscape while offering a forward‐looking design. By varying the setbacks and articulation, and retaining the existing birch trees at the front, the design effectively breaks down the visual bulk and softens the building’s presence on the street. Additionally, by removing the front fence, the design softens the house’s presence, creating a more inviting and integrated streetscape.
The interiors of Hawksburn House create a cohesive dialogue between inside and outside. The robust brickwork provides a sense of permanence and security, while fine steel detailing—such as the north beam and front awning—introduces elements of shelter and refinement. Timber acts almost like an osmotic barrier, selectively facilitating the transition between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing light, air, and movement to pass in a way that enriches the interior atmosphere. This thoughtful material interplay ensures a cohesive flow and a harmonious living environment.
Hawksburn House embodies a dialogue between heritage and modernity, illustrating how thoughtful design can bridge the past and the future. By integrating traditional materials in a contemporary way and addressing the challenges of a heritage context, the project demonstrates the potential of modern architecture to enrich and elevate heritage contexts.
Builder: Fencon
Photography: Anson Smart
