Lovely Hawthorn House in Melbourne, Australia

 

 

After several incomplete renovations, the Hawthorn project became a serious matter. ”The task was two fold, firstly to consolidate and reinstate the existing heritage parts and secondly to create a new architectural  language that would transform the rear and become the soul of the new indoor and outdoor living areas.”  

 

To get a better understanding of this project and how it evolved, you need to know when did it all begin. Back in the 1900s, a Victorian brick edifice was transformed into a real home, separated into four units, grouped around a central light well. Since then, other small “improvements” were made, leaving the house in a highly dysfunctional state.

 

 

 

 

When AM Architecture took control over the project, the team of architects already knew what were the “damages” and came rapidly with a plan. The outdoor area became one of the focus points. There are a swimming pool and a lounge area, where one can enjoy the sun’s warmth. A truss across the rear balcony became a decorative structural element, embellishing the courtyard. A certain traditional-like design line was kept both, outside and inside. The main material used in defining the interior was, as expected, wood. The ceilings, the floors and most of the furniture are made of wood. These enhance the feeling of warmth and coziness. Modern splashes of design are also present: the open plan living room (and the space division), the couches, the lighting decorations, the upgraded kitchen and bathrooms.