HOUSES HG
AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN^ | 79
under-stair storage, while they researched architects,
eventually settling on Stephen O’Connor of O’Connor
and Houle Architecture+Landscapes.
The brief was threefold: more internal space without
compromising the outdoor areas; modern, sustainable
materials wherever possible; and a timeless interior that
was sympathetic to the heritage of the home.
Stephen’s solution was to reconfigure the upper level
into three generous bedrooms and a bathroom plus extend
the home at the rear of the ground floor. Downstairs, the
original home comprises a guestroom, separate living
and dining rooms, with the kitchen, library, study
nook and laundry in the extension. On the first floor, the
extension accommodates the family’s beloved rooftop
garden, accessed via a striking steel spiral staircase.
Period features, including cornicing and fire surrounds
were retained. The interior scheme – lashings of white,
teamed with oak joinery and accents in brown and green- unifies old and new.
While they were updating, Joanne and Craig took the
opportunity to improve the home’s energy efficiency too.
They installed solar panels and replaced windows with
energy low-e glass. Sustainability also influenced the
couple’s brief to landscape gardener Matt Dux of I Heart
My Garden. “We wanted a low-maintenance garden that
engaged our kids in growing food,” says Joanne. “Rooftop
gardens can’t accommodate heavy planter boxes, so
I created a series of shallow beds to accommodate an
array of herbs and vegetables; that way, the family can
learn about rotation planting,” says Matt.
The renovation was completed in late 2017, and life
has been nonstop for this busy family since. Joanne
credits the neighbouring park for keeping them sane. “I
love our rooftop sanctuary, but the park is such a blessing.
I can send the kids out there and watch them from the
window. They love it. I knew they would.” >
O’Connor and Houle Architecture+Landscapes,
Albert Park, Victoria; (03) 9686 7022 or
http://www.oconnorandhoule.com. I Heart My
Garden, Melbourne, Victoria; 0423 058 993
or http://www.iheartmygarden.com.au.
LIVING Touches of green bring the outside in. Astep ‘Model
2065’ suspension light, Hub Furniture. Artworks by Ralph
Kiggell. Sofa, cabinet and rug bought in Hong Kong. Wire
table, Country Road. Tall table, Zuster. Armchairs sourced
by stylist/interior designer Simone Haag, who also contributed
to the project. Designer buy: Le Klint ‘Arc Nordic’ floor lamp,
$1990, Great Dane.The Palette
_______Bristol
Golden CricketDulux Natural
White (interior,
throughout)Taubmans
Bright OlivePaint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.