A New Design Identity for a Victorian Terrace - Charles Street by Lande Architects

Although not steep, with its own heritage overlay, Charles Street had character that Ellie wanted to retain and enhance. The choice of materiality was also driven from a contextual approach, not only for a sense of fluidity but also for its proven longevity. Ellie says, “these Victorian homes are widely applauded for their longevity, hence why masonry and concrete were implemented in key areas.” Their durability and thermal performance were significant to the design, as was their impact in grounding the structure.

Purposefully pared back, the interiors were designed, as Ellie says, “to allow future custodians to personalise without needing to reverse any of the architectural moves.” Abating the common issue of creating opportunities for natural light to enter these long narrow suburban plots, courtyards are carved out of the extension fabric to allow for multiple vistas. Her approach was to include, “large north-facing openings to living areas and skylights to smaller areas ensure natural light is in abundance, where artificial lighting was implemented in a subtle way, designed to complement and enhance the architectural elements.”

Grounded in a sense of responsibility and thought for the future occupation of the home, Ellie wanted the site and its existing and new features to work in harmony in an intelligible and considered way. Key to this was the “green pockets through the house that deliver warm sunlight, fresh air and add a sense of space to a modest footprint.” Ellie says, “I aimed to open the house up to the north wherever possible to achieve passive solar gains, and the green roof helps regulate this throughout the year.” Speaking of the green roof, she says, “it goes beyond the thermal mass and insulation to ourselves, and also assists in preventing rainwater runoff and assisting with lowering the urban heat island.”

The spaces are all tied together through the kitchen, the “programmatic centre of the home,” says Ellie. A functional, streamlined and intelligently-concealed series of full-height joinery elements is placed, she says, “as a destination in terms of layout.” She explains, “the sideways orientation and physical connection to the dining utilises the length of the block and harnesses it.” Flanked by large sliding doors, the access to natural light and ventilation is plentiful.

An ambitious maiden solo build, with Charles Street Lande Architects has beautifully restored a piece of history, and infused a sense of the contemporary in a series of astute and effective ways.