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Day House
Day House
Melbourne, Australia
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Day House
Melbourne, Australia
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2023
SIZE
0 sqft - 1000 sqft
BUDGET
Undisclosed
The Day House in Malvern is the considered reworking of a Victorian residence layered with a significant earlier renovation by architect Nicholas Day. While rich in character, the house had become insufficient in scale and function for family life. The project extends well beyond restoration, reconfiguring the house at every level. A new rear addition expands its scale and outlook, opening interiors to the landscape and pool, while significant changes throughout redefine flow and amenity. Emphasis on light and framed views of the garden guides the design approach, uniting each intervention into a cohesive architectural whole.
As the original element of the redesign, the Victorian home was carefully restored to honour its architectural character while accommodating substantial program changes. Its façade, verandah, and internal detailing are highlighted as central features, giving the home renewed prominence. The surrounding landscaping introduces a relaxed, organic quality that contrasts with the formality of the architecture, providing an immediate dialogue with the contemporary layer at the front of the house.
Within the threshold, the space immediately opens to framed views of the modern architectural extension and garden at the rear. Both refined and decorative, the solid timber herringbone flooring elevates detailing while respecting the period styling, helping to balance the scale of the interior.
The rear addition by Nicholas Day was redefined to honour its standout features, introducing a clearly defined new spatial intervention. The gable roofline and skylight were emphasised through simplification and carefully positioned uplighting. In contrast, steel-framed windows were added, their dark tones standing out against the white walls and framing views to the garden.
This area was completely reimagined as an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space, guided by the principle of elevated materials in a neutral palette, providing a refined backdrop for the client’s furniture and art. Two large new windows shift the aspect to bring morning light and delineate the kitchen area. The fully new kitchen centres on a prominent feature stone bench with a cantilevered breakfast bar placed adjacent to the concealed appliance cupboard. Suspended lights integrate modern simplicity with elevated touches through brass and marble finishes.
The fireplace in the living space is articulated through simplified forms, where feature stone and the tactile quality of the Japanese ceramic tiles create a contemporary focal point.
Occupying the role of the tertiary structure within the composition, the new extension serves as the project’s pinnacle architectural element, providing a contemporary counterpoint to the heritage residence. Fully modern in expression, it is oriented to maximise natural light and immerses occupants in the surrounding garden, reasserting a strong connection between interior and landscape. Intentionally contrasting with the existing structures, it employs dark stained timber and a simplified form, while its scale and positioning are carefully considered in response to the surrounding site.
Integrated features, such as the concealed BBQ, establish a clean aesthetic, with generous windows framing views of the pool and garden. Continuous paving connects the house to the outdoors, gently leading to the pool which sits within the organic landscape.
Inspired by the colours of the original leadlight, the master bedroom and ensuite are rendered in a soft pink palette. The pink Australian marble, with its apricot, grey, and copper tones, informs the selection of furnishings, tiles, and tapware throughout. The children’s rooms are defined by a green palette, accentuated by the restoration of a historic fireplace in marble.
The Day House demonstrates how thoughtful restoration and modern interventions can coexist, enhancing both function and experience. The project represents a complete reimagining of the house, carefully integrating heritage elements, modernised interiors, and the defining extension to deliver a cohesive architectural composition that balances scale, materiality, and connection to light and landscape.
As the original element of the redesign, the Victorian home was carefully restored to honour its architectural character while accommodating substantial program changes. Its façade, verandah, and internal detailing are highlighted as central features, giving the home renewed prominence. The surrounding landscaping introduces a relaxed, organic quality that contrasts with the formality of the architecture, providing an immediate dialogue with the contemporary layer at the front of the house.
Within the threshold, the space immediately opens to framed views of the modern architectural extension and garden at the rear. Both refined and decorative, the solid timber herringbone flooring elevates detailing while respecting the period styling, helping to balance the scale of the interior.
The rear addition by Nicholas Day was redefined to honour its standout features, introducing a clearly defined new spatial intervention. The gable roofline and skylight were emphasised through simplification and carefully positioned uplighting. In contrast, steel-framed windows were added, their dark tones standing out against the white walls and framing views to the garden.
This area was completely reimagined as an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space, guided by the principle of elevated materials in a neutral palette, providing a refined backdrop for the client’s furniture and art. Two large new windows shift the aspect to bring morning light and delineate the kitchen area. The fully new kitchen centres on a prominent feature stone bench with a cantilevered breakfast bar placed adjacent to the concealed appliance cupboard. Suspended lights integrate modern simplicity with elevated touches through brass and marble finishes.
The fireplace in the living space is articulated through simplified forms, where feature stone and the tactile quality of the Japanese ceramic tiles create a contemporary focal point.
Occupying the role of the tertiary structure within the composition, the new extension serves as the project’s pinnacle architectural element, providing a contemporary counterpoint to the heritage residence. Fully modern in expression, it is oriented to maximise natural light and immerses occupants in the surrounding garden, reasserting a strong connection between interior and landscape. Intentionally contrasting with the existing structures, it employs dark stained timber and a simplified form, while its scale and positioning are carefully considered in response to the surrounding site.
Integrated features, such as the concealed BBQ, establish a clean aesthetic, with generous windows framing views of the pool and garden. Continuous paving connects the house to the outdoors, gently leading to the pool which sits within the organic landscape.
Inspired by the colours of the original leadlight, the master bedroom and ensuite are rendered in a soft pink palette. The pink Australian marble, with its apricot, grey, and copper tones, informs the selection of furnishings, tiles, and tapware throughout. The children’s rooms are defined by a green palette, accentuated by the restoration of a historic fireplace in marble.
The Day House demonstrates how thoughtful restoration and modern interventions can coexist, enhancing both function and experience. The project represents a complete reimagining of the house, carefully integrating heritage elements, modernised interiors, and the defining extension to deliver a cohesive architectural composition that balances scale, materiality, and connection to light and landscape.
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