An architect’s own residence has lengthy been a possibility to exhibit abilities, take a look at concepts and contribute inventive “sweat fairness” to the everlasting hunt for a pleasant place to stay. Melbourne examples embrace the geometric acrobatics of River Home by Peter McIntyre (1955) and the experimental development and association of Robin Boyd’s Walsh Avenue (1957).
Carlton Cottage by Lovell Burton Structure is a worthy addition to this native canon. The brand new residence of observe and life companions Joseph Lovell and Stephanie Burton is a renovation of a typical inner-city Melbourne terrace, its proud facade beforehand masking a collection of damp principal rooms and advert hoc lean-tos that diminished in top, daylight and stability earlier than tapering off close to the again lane.
The primary steps have been sensible, eradicating accretions, fixing issues and introducing a pair of light-court “lungs” to convey daylight and air flow into the centre of the deep plan. Nevertheless, as Joe places it, “intertwined with this pragmatism was an method primarily based on adaptability, regeneration and an emphasis on spatial high quality over materials excesses.”
A presentation by Stephanie on the Design Speaks: Fact or Dare symposium in 2022 gave perception into this method, with a collection of sketches demonstrating fixed change over the minutes, days and a long time of household life. Fittingly, the theme of “loose-fit, lengthy life” underpins each side of this residence, concentrating on a fluid use of high quality areas and avoiding fastened operate wherever potential. The plan is vital, loosely organising each constructing and panorama throughout the location right into a 12-square grid of largely unprogrammed rooms.
With its reinterpretation of a conventional skillion roof kind, the brand new addition replaces the earlier lean-tos in a single sweeping gesture, dramatically ramping up scale and high quality to realize an industrial sturdiness akin to the warehouses throughout the again lane. The open plan is organized in free quadrants, with solely the kitchen element having an outlined operate. Even right here, fastened joinery is designed as freestanding furnishings and, together with the mezzanine stair, efficiently modified in kind and placement throughout development – an unanticipated “proof of idea” of the undertaking’s flexibility.
A mezzanine spans the western heights of the addition, an open platform for sleeping, working and fogeys escaping youngsters (or vice versa), with a compact rest room of dramatic top tucked into its nook. A wall of stacked panels slide throughout to manage connection to dwelling areas under, their textured surfaces remodeling the acoustics all through.
The planning could also be intentionally open-ended however detailing and craftsmanship is uncompromisingly exact. The panels and home windows all align with satisfying rigour, the top of every sliding panel minimize at an angle to keep away from interrupting the raking ceiling. Supplies together with strong walnut, salvaged bricks, galvanised metal, lime plaster and reclaimed stone slabs are deployed to provide texture and develop character over time. The wall of three.2-metre-tall pivot doorways throughout the rear elevation combines staggering scale with customized element: the traditional timber door jambs are turned 90 levels to create a profile of surprising slenderness and depth, the glass itself performing structurally. All is obvious proof of architects who know their craft, are prepared to push boundaries and have a superb relationship with their expert and engaged builder, Cale Peters Building.
A acknowledged goal of Lovell Burton is that every undertaking is approached contemporary and turns into a singular reflection of their “purchasers, the place, and the aim at hand.” On this case, that reflection concerned holding a mirror to their very own wants and aspirations. The outcome succeeds as a testing floor for concepts, as a showcase for potential purchasers and, most significantly, as a strong however adaptable framework to assist an evolving and gratifying household life.
