This new house in Brunswick feels far removed from its urban surroundings. Although it is within walking distance of central Melbourne, the home sits deep on its block and is surrounded by garden. It provides a peaceful retreat for the young family who live there, offering a calm escape from the busyness of city life.
From the beginning, the owners had a clear vision for how they wanted to live. Having lived on the site for more than 10 years, they understood its potential.
The block is on a busy street and faces north at the front, so it was important to set the new house back from the road. This reduces street noise and creates a north-facing garden. Making the most of northern light improves comfort & connects the home to the seasons & the daily path of the sun.
The brief was to design a four-bedroom house set within a garden. The final design arranges the home as a series of buildings within landscaped spaces. There are four distinct gardens, each with its own purpose. The front garden creates a soft, natural street presence. The main garden and pool area form the primary outlook and a transition to the house. A central courtyard separates the public and private areas of the home. At the rear, a vegetable garden includes space for roaming chickens.
A modest, secure entry with a covered walkway connects the street to the house. Walking through the garden before entering creates a sense of calm at the end of the day.
The single-storey house is designed for energy efficiency. It features double glazing and timber windows for thermal performance. Thicker floors, walls, & roof spaces provide extra room for insulation.
The north-facing kitchen, dining, & living area opens fully to the garden. Large sliding doors allow easy access, cross ventilation, & a strong connection to outdoors. Ceiling fans help reduce the need for night-time cooling.
Local & natural materials were prioritised throughout. The internal floors are made from locally reclaimed timber
