Art House & Studio, An Exploration in Restoration, Re-Use and Recycling

Project: Art House & Studio
Architects: Zen Architects
Builder: 2iC
Landscape Architect: Eckersley Garden Architecture
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Year: 2020
Photo Credits: Emma Cross
Text by Zen Architects

An exploration in restoration, re-use and recycling, Art House & Studio features natural local materials re-imagined through local manufacturing and craftsmanship.

Our first endeavour was to retain as much character of the original Victorian residence as possible. We retained the weatherboards and Victorian detailing externally, lifted, de-nailed and re-used the Baltic pine floorboards as well as the skirting boards, architraves, doors and windows. The walls, floor and ceiling were all heavily insulated and existing windows re-glazed, elevating the residence to exceed current standards.

Local artisans were engaged to install handmade creations throughout including concrete benches, timber windows, stairs, balustrades and shelving, joinery, brass fixtures and fittings, plant shelves and tiles. Natural, raw materials finished with no or low-toxicity finishes provide a healthy indoor environment that is comfortable year-round.

Although sympathetic to the original, the extension was framed in a contemporary way through material, detailing and form. The property features a play on levels, volume and light as you move through a series of interconnected spaces. From the first-floor internal courtyard to the ground floor sunken lounge, out to the contoured landscape and across to the detached artist studio at the rear the experience is playful and unexpected.