Erected in 1889 and sympathetically updated by Taylor Knights, Armadale House exemplifies a timeless adaptation, deftly bridging eras with grace. At the core of this transformation lay the challenge of weaving together the historical and the contemporary in a way where neither overshadows the other. Taylor Knights approached this challenge with reverence, embracing a harmonious philosophy. “Our approach with heritage is always to work with the DNA and logic of the building,” says Peter Knights, director of the Melbourne-based practice. Guided by this principle, the renovation honoured the building’s history while seamlessly integrating modern amenities. This approach has transformed Armadale House into a present-day sanctuary through the thoughtful use of landscape, strategic apertures and meticulous architectural detailing. Originally built by Alfred Chitty in 1889 as Tilted Afton, this striking Victorian home underwent a significant transformation when it was converted into flats in 1921. Now, more than a century later and reunited under single ownership, it has undergone a careful restoration back to its original splendour. Preserving the 19th-century home’s character while adapting it for a multigenerational family led to a series of changes that opened up the floor plan. The addition of a new wing to the north, carefully articulated with masonry and traditional detailing to scale, created a sympathetic relationship with the existing structure. The reimagined garage, boundary fence and rear verandah – now unified in a singular brick entity – have led to the establishment of a courtyard space, with an external fireplace, a first-floor balcony, pool, spa and outdoor dining areas forming a sanctuary for family and friends. The introduction of a new entry gate and stairs also improved ease and autonomous movement through the reinvigorated family home. In addition to these internal modifications, the civic presence of Armadale House was carefully preserved, maintaining its architectural dialogue with the streetscape and ensuring its continued role as a cornerstone of the neighbourhood’s heritage. Taylor Knights carefully orchestrated spatial reconfigurations to cater to the demands of contemporary living, emphasising adaptable zoning for multigenerational use and maximising natural light and ventilation. The use of concrete for the addition and strategic incorporation of brickwork not only ties the new elements to the existing home but also provides a solid and robust feel that complements the Victorian era’s monolithic character. It’s a delicate interplay between old and new, as James Taylor, director of Taylor Knights, reflects: “There’s some really nice juxtapositions in the project. We love how the new piece of architecture contrasts quite softly with the original part.” The integration of the landscape with Armadale House was paramount, highlighting a holistic approach where the natural environment and built form coexist symbiotically. Working with Ben Scott Garden Design, Taylor Knights envisioned the outdoor spaces as intrinsic to the home’s overall serene feel, transforming the rear of the building into a two-level garden oasis where the occupants can be immersed in the tranquil surrounds. “The landscape isn’t just about adding decoration,” notes Knights. “It’s about considering how the architecture relates to the landscape and how it ties in to activate the space. It becomes very much a part of the architectural language rather than a separate tool.”This central courtyard garden serves as the heart of the project, echoing the clients’ brief for a place of respite and refuge. The thoughtful arrangement and features of the exterior zones were crucial in creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, promoting interaction and a feeling of tranquillity. “It’s a very relaxing, peaceful quality they were after,” says Taylor. “The quality of the architecture was about creating that sense of sanctuary.” In addition, the garden’s design and features play an instrumental role in softening the boundaries between the home’s interior and exterior, embedding the landscape deeper within the fabric of the home’s rejuvenation. The material and structural dialogue between the new addition – quite modest in size at 24 square metres – and the existing structure was carefully balanced, focusing on “timeless, robust and traditional materials” that allow the home to mature gracefully. “In projects like this, the use of these kinds of materials allows buildings to get better with age,” says Taylor.“We’ve really tried to utilise that approach not only in this project but in a lot of our work.” This strategy has a broader impact than just the dwelling’s physical transformation; it enriches the lives of its residents by providing a sophisticated home that can evolve with their lifestyle. Taylor Knights has crafted a home that respects its historical roots with the necessities of contemporary life, striking a careful balance between privacy, heritage sensitivity and the integral connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. “The project is really around creating that courtyard, landscape experience. It’s very holistic in its approach to house and garden,” reflects Knights. “We’re proud of how it all ties together.” words by TLP
