James Street banner

This home is a testament to a 6-year journey of perseverance and determination (not to mention love) by the architect, client and builder!

The project posed an interesting challenge from day one: to design a contemporary space for a fabulous art collection and a home for entertaining, framing a view of Melbourne's CBD in a dense inner city location.

The corner site (allowing great opportunities as well as constraints) had a heritage overlay whilst the house had little to no heritage significance.

What began as a renovation project in town planning, ended up in a VCAT mediation, followed by two VCAT hearings and was finally awarded a permit after 3 years. The early stage of construction exposed structurally unsound remains. After much negotiation and compromises with the council, a permit was issued to build from new.

Our project began in May 2005 and my clients moved in August 2011.

The residence was driven by my client's extensive art collection, the local typology and the ever-changing Melbourne skyline. Our outcome is a space designed to double as a home and art gallery.

Photography by Peter Bennetts.

James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street
James Street

Professionals used in
James Street

About the
Professional

We are a boutique design-focused architecture practice based in Melbourne. 

Engaged in projects large and small, our studio specialises in high-quality residential architecture and interiors.  

We design spaces that are beautiful in their own right, whilst providing a blank canvas for clients to live their dream. We use materials that are appropriate for the site and that will age well. We believe buildings should be energy efficient and space efficient. Each of our projects is unique to the particular client and site. We listen and respond to, the client’s brief, the site’s typography, memory and context. “Same, same” is not in our lexicon. We seek out new materials and use everyday materials in new and unexpected/innovative ways and always strive for world best practices. We consider the whole project, integrating architecture, interiors and landscape for a seamless environment.   

We are known for our subtle detailing, lighting and volumes that create unexpected moments, spaciousness and intimacy. We have extensive experience in dealing with tricky sites, local councils and heritage issues, which we believe is pivotal in order to facilitate the path from concept design through to building and completion. We make sure that we are on-site collaborating with the owner and builder to ensure that the design intent is carried out throughout the process.

Our designs are driven by Biophilic principles, an approach that seeks to connect building occupants more closely with nature and the environment. We are passionate about creating enriched environments that feed and nourish our health and promote well-being through space and architecture.    

Architecture is not just about a sketch on a table napkin: it’s an exciting process that starts with an initial concept and evolves into functional and beautiful buildings. We create spaces that surprise and delight with the constant changes of seasons and light. We believe construction is a handmade art. Architecture’s wonder is in paring back the design so that it not only is an object of beauty but becomes a vessel for its intended function.