Malvern House
Traditional Custodians: Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation
Location: Malvern, Victoria
Floor Area/Land Area: 154 sqm/402 sqm
This project is about a tired house, a retiring couple, and a critique of how we build now compared to the beginning of last century.
Malvern House has been designed for a retiring downsizing couple, which had been searching for their ideal retirement setting for a few years. Having lived in the immediate vicinity for 30 or so years, their net wasn’t one cast wide, rather one cast with precision and patience.
Tasked with delivering more living space, with better and more meaningful function, we set out to understand how we could cater to a couple who were learning how to do less. Naturally, thoughts progressed more broadly to the concept of time and aging, and the thought of one generation leaving something to the next.
We decided to critique why Victorian era homes seemingly tug at the heart strings of all generations.
Memories, nostalgia, and a sense of romance all seemingly attach themselves to the ornament of these homes. Lace fretwork, tall skirtings, glossy architraves, chalky cornicing and intricate ceiling roses, are the trademarks of these period homes.
They all have one thing in common - they concealed the shortcomings of the tradespeople and craftsmen of their day.
A thought emerged in the practice:
“What would tradespeople of then, think of the way we build homes today, equipped with all the technologies and tools we have in our quiver?.”
The addition to Malvern House is an antithesis to the Victorian era of building.
We wanted to showcase the abilities we have at our disposal today, and express the craftsmanship which can achieve what previous generations could never have imagined.
Key to the brief, was the ability to integrate green spaces, natural light and fresh air into the home. Internal courtyards, seamless thresholds and soaring glass invites the outside in, while the stone selection and a concealed skylight, quite literally bring greenery and light into the home.
Awards:
Shortlisted - Houses 2022
Shortlisted - AIDA - Residential Interiors 2022
Finalist - Dulux Colour Awards - Residential Interior 2022
Longlisted - Dezeen Global Awards 2022
Featured:
The Local Project - Print Issue 8
The Local Project - Online Feature
The Local Project - Youtube Series
