By 106 Architects
Perched on a hill overlooking the Maribyrnong River in a small pocket of Essendon, Victoria, this existing 1960s single-standing detached dwelling was looking for a new facelift. The vision was to celebrate the act of “approach” and open the entry. In a way, draw the outside further in.
References to the modern hay-day era have thickened the concept – a nod to the mid-century development timing of the suburb’s birth. While other neighbourly properties have demolished and built modern square-stacked boxes or pseudo-Italian villas, these clients wanted to celebrate their modest footprint and enjoy the site space for landscape.
In drawing guests inward, a hardwood timber screen wraps the right-hand pavilion, and seamlessly transitions through the main door into the hallway. A secret door through the warm timber wall presets the master bedroom and ensuite. A quiet and safe place as a sleeping and meditative space.
On the left-hand side, the garage is expanded. A wine cellar adds drama to the dining room.
Together the spatial rearrangements recreate inner spaces, fit for guests and the family alike.
Project Partner / Photographer : Architectural Metal Precision Australia
Who we are
106 Architects has a work-model that emphasises collaboration, prototyping and testing. We love to get close to our end-users to understand their needs and challenges. To do this we shape our internal team based diversity and skills we can all learn from. We value people who have an attitude for ‘skin in the game’ thinking, who can test and challenge ways of doing things.
What we do
Architecture has the capability to inspire and connect people. Through a design-led and collaborative approach, 106 Architects build a specific team for each project. A clear point of difference is in our design, consultation and delivery tools.
We build relationships before buildings.
The connections we nurture with our clients underpin the success of our designs – designs, Third Place Thinking™, that harmoniously bring together aesthetics, sustainability, functionality, on-going operations and budgets, with the wider social, cultural and commercial interests.