Project: Ackmans House
Architecture: Rob Kennon Architects
Team: Rob Kennon, Maia Cookson
Location: Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Area: 530 m2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Derek Swalwell
Ackmans House by Rob Kennon Architects transforms a historic warehouse in Melbourne into a contemporary inner-city dwelling while preserving its industrial character. The design highlights the building’s original fabric, celebrating the beauty of bluestone, brick, and timber trusses, while carefully inserting new living spaces that respect and enhance the existing structure.
Revealing the Heritage Fabric
When layers of the warehouse were stripped back, a rich patchwork of textures emerged. Bluestone foundations, exposed brickwork, and robust timber trusses revealed the story of the building’s past. These materials became the central narrative of Ackmans House, guiding the design strategy toward an approach that is complementary rather than competitive. By allowing the existing structure to remain visible, the renovation maintains authenticity and historical continuity.
Nesting New Forms Within the Old Shell
The architectural concept centered on the idea of nesting new forms within the original shell. Kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and service areas were organized into a series of pods placed inside the larger warehouse volume. Importantly, these pods are offset from the outer walls, creating a buffer that preserves the heritage fabric while generating interstitial spaces. These in-between areas act as informal living zones, circulation routes, and places to pause, fostering a dialogue between past and present.
A Balance Between Old and New
The contrast between raw industrial materials and carefully detailed new insertions gives the project its character. The robust heritage envelope provides a tactile backdrop, while the minimalist pods introduce a sense of calm and refinement. This layered approach not only enhances livability but also ensures the warehouse’s historic qualities remain central to the experience of the home.
Conclusion
Through a sensitive yet inventive approach, Ackmans House demonstrates how heritage buildings can be adapted for contemporary living without losing their identity. Rob Kennon Architects have created a home that honors the industrial past while offering a modern lifestyle, showing how old and new can coexist in balance.
