Architects: Studio Tate
Project: Contemporary Double Storey House
Location: Prahran, Australia
Photographs: Tessa Ross-Phelan
A new addition for this young family prompted a major change to their living environment – a contemporary double storey house off a laneway in one of Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs. Demolishing all but two existing red brick walls, Studio Tate completely rethought the way this house worked, maximizing the tight spaces with some creative manoeuvres as well as flooding the space with natural light. Warmth was brought through materials and finishes, with heavy use of timber.
This project emphasises the potential of inner urban small spaces to provide everything you need for family life – sophisticated interiors with outstanding amenity, without sacrificing location. Living and dining were installed on the upper level, including bespoke joinery such as an island bench with integrated dining table and a cosy living room with a fireplace.
A study can be used as a guest room or extra bedroom and a garage doubles as a play room or sleeping space. The master bedroom and ensuite were positioned to overlook a private courtyard, while a balcony offers views out to the city. Storage was key to getting the most out of every room: the fun kids’ room features stairs that also function as bookshelves, with a bunk bed hiding a wardrobe underneath. The palette was kept light and neutral to play off the natural light, with black accents to add depth.
