Caulfield 01

A 1960s Caulfield house with good bones and a beautiful sense of scale is injected with contemporary sophistication. Central to the transformation of this house is a rethinking of the interior zones; a reorientation of the house allows for a new relationship to light and spaciousness.

The interior features solid and veneered American oak, beautifully-veined granite and textured Japanese tiles; and a calming yet rich palette. Together timber, tiles, stone and white steel doors bring a new interior language to the home. Joinery adds to the level of sophistication and understated surprise. In the kitchen, an expansive granite bench is centred between feature oak joinery, a detail of the leg joint is inset to the stone slab. A library, making use of an unused antechamber, receives a custom shelving unit for displaying books and treasures; and the family room a striking feature cabinet with woven door detail.

The interior also caters for the owners’ need for quiet, comfortable places to watch films. The resulting enclosed room with internal curtains ensures the clients have the exacting light control they need. A bespoke television unit, including oak doors, conceals the widescreen when not in use.

The minimal aesthetic is carefully updated; matt white tapware complements the boldness of large swathes of granite; the addition of signature furniture and contemporary fine art expresses an eternal faith in modernism.

Shortlisted for IDEA awards

Read more on this project in Australian Design Review

Read more on this project on Inside magazine