Ildemere
Traditional Custodians: Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation
Location: South Yarra, Victoria
Floor Area/Land Area: 272 sqm/549 sqm
A careful stitching together of history and modernity defines Ildemere House — a reworking of a tired Edwardian terrace into a contemporary family home.
Nestled in South Yarra, Ildemere House is a transformation of a heritage home, blending the old with the new in a way that speaks to the present without forgetting the past. This reimagined Edwardian terrace caters to a young family, providing a home that embraces light, flow, and the seamless integration of modern design with historical character.
The home’s 130-year-old history has been carefully preserved while its spaces have been revitalized to meet the needs of a contemporary lifestyle. The original structure was in need of a renewal, particularly the rear lean-to. The challenge was to create a home that felt open and airy while maintaining a sense of warmth and intimacy. The aim was to bring light into the heart of the house, make the living areas adaptable to indoor and outdoor living, and still feel cosy for those moments when the doors are closed. The final design achieves this delicate balance.
Skylights deliver creative northern exposure and draw natural warmth into the space, while large sliding doors on both the east and west sides promote cross-flow ventilation, allowing the house to breathe and engage with its surroundings. The extension carefully stitches together the old and new, using steel-framed, fluted glass doors to create a subtle separation while preserving the atmosphere of each space. The masonry elements have been designed to complement the Edwardian detailing, with soft curves that echo the original craftsmanship, ensuring that the new extension speaks to the history of the home without mimicking it.
Ildemere House is a haven of serenity in the heart of an urban landscape. It is both a gathering place and a quiet retreat, offering a balance between liveliness and calm. As the family settles into their new home, the design adapts with them, deepening and maturing over time.
