Project: Victorian Villa Complete Renovation
Architects: Kirby Architects
Location: Victoria, Australia
Completion date 2020
Photo Credits: Jacqui Henshaw
Having enjoyed this gracious Victorian villa for over ten years, the owners asked Kirby Roper, Director of Kirby Architects, to evolve the house so that it could function in different modes and adapt to suit their future.
As a ‘forever home’, they wanted options for accommodating extended family who regularly stay over, generous entertaining spaces and new work from home zones.
This a full renovation, where modern lifestyles meet with heritage values. The rear section of the old house was entirely removed to make way for contemporary and elegant rooms that easily accommodate large scale entertaining.
Lovely guest quarters have been added to the ground level. The clients asked Kirby to include discreet disability-friendly features and private access to make these rooms perfect for welcoming visits from the owners’ parents who are based in regional Victoria.
To make the most of the home’s fabulous northerly aspect, Kirby has connected with the outdoors the large kitchen living space. Kirby explained, “Stepping onto the deck is like entering another realm; for big get-togethers, four pairs of steel french doors are flung open so the spaces flow easily.”
Behind the new kitchen is a butler’s pantry, which means party preparations can be underway, yet the kitchen is always presentable.
Inspired by the colour and texture of the Victorian red brick frontage, steel box windows are our solution for adding extra seating. Kirby said, ”This is a clever design trick that we used to make the living room seem larger without extending the external walls. Keeping the extension within the footprint of the original structure can avoid issues with Council permits“.
The window seats add a touch of romance to the home. ”It’s so cosy to sit amongst the cushions and have a private moment”, Kirby said, adding, “The idea worked so well, we included them upstairs in the bedrooms too. They are a hit with the whole family.”
