Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Helvetia
Helvetia
Melbourne, Australia
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Other Projects by Austin Maynard Architects
Helvetia
Melbourne, Australia
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2023
SIZE
1000 sqft - 3000 sqft
BUDGET
Undisclosed
Helvetia is the alteration and renovation of a double storey Victorian terrace in Fitzroy, Melbourne. The residence had been separated into two dwellings in the 1960s to operate as a boarding house and reconfigured again in the 1980s into a three bedroom apartment at ground level and a one-bedroom with studio at first floor. Muddled, confused, dark and in a sad state of disrepair, the challenge was to resurrect Helvetia. In removing the two rooms above and below in the centre of the building and utilising the side laneway,
Helvetia has been transformed into a light-filled family-sized home, with multiple gardens, a flexible floor plan, dramatic central entryway and towering sunlit atrium.
Helvetia is a considered, detailed and dynamic ‘before and after’ project. An exercise in making the most of what you have, in ego restrain and in focusing on the fundaments of sustainability, predominantly ‘Reuse’. Rather than opt for the standard heritage response, keeping the frontage and demolishing everything beyond, we found there were no serious cracks or structural damage to the rear extension. It wasn’t pretty but it didn’t need to go. Instead we chose to use the existing brick fabric and work with the skin we had.
Like most Victorian terrace houses, Helvetia was gloomy with dark corridors and internalised rooms. The resurrection required major surgery, from the inside out. One of the rare occurrences where the client was happy to take away floor area we completely removed the repeatedly problematic rotten core and created a substantial lightwell through the middle of the house. The vertical expanse of open space introduces a flood of natural light, while fixed timber awnings control the western and northern sun.
Internally most of the dividing walls were removed to open up the areas with sliding doors and curtains to offer flexibility of use and function. Future-proofed for circumstantial changes in years to come. All internal finishes were renewed throughout, a new concrete slab with hydronic heating was poured into the open plan living/dining/ kitchen and all exisiting windows were replaced with thermally efficient double glazing. The original large bay window in main bedroom upstairs was also retained and restored. A large balcony terrace off the main bedroom was reimagined and at the rear of the site is the addition of a large (possum proof) productive garden, with shed and carport beneath.
The owners asked us to convert their house back into a single dwelling to make their dark and awkward home more liveable. Their hope was for an inner city “sanctuary” that would exist in stark opposition to their “sterile work environment.” Existing in beautiful contrast to its gritty urban location, the owners traverse a bridge over a waterlily and fish-filled pond to their bright, considered and joyfully resurrected new home. “Our sanctuary has been created and the effect on our lives has been profound,” they say. “Our brief has been fulfilled in ways we have never imagined and are still discovering."
Helvetia has been transformed into a light-filled family-sized home, with multiple gardens, a flexible floor plan, dramatic central entryway and towering sunlit atrium.
Helvetia is a considered, detailed and dynamic ‘before and after’ project. An exercise in making the most of what you have, in ego restrain and in focusing on the fundaments of sustainability, predominantly ‘Reuse’. Rather than opt for the standard heritage response, keeping the frontage and demolishing everything beyond, we found there were no serious cracks or structural damage to the rear extension. It wasn’t pretty but it didn’t need to go. Instead we chose to use the existing brick fabric and work with the skin we had.
Like most Victorian terrace houses, Helvetia was gloomy with dark corridors and internalised rooms. The resurrection required major surgery, from the inside out. One of the rare occurrences where the client was happy to take away floor area we completely removed the repeatedly problematic rotten core and created a substantial lightwell through the middle of the house. The vertical expanse of open space introduces a flood of natural light, while fixed timber awnings control the western and northern sun.
Internally most of the dividing walls were removed to open up the areas with sliding doors and curtains to offer flexibility of use and function. Future-proofed for circumstantial changes in years to come. All internal finishes were renewed throughout, a new concrete slab with hydronic heating was poured into the open plan living/dining/ kitchen and all exisiting windows were replaced with thermally efficient double glazing. The original large bay window in main bedroom upstairs was also retained and restored. A large balcony terrace off the main bedroom was reimagined and at the rear of the site is the addition of a large (possum proof) productive garden, with shed and carport beneath.
The owners asked us to convert their house back into a single dwelling to make their dark and awkward home more liveable. Their hope was for an inner city “sanctuary” that would exist in stark opposition to their “sterile work environment.” Existing in beautiful contrast to its gritty urban location, the owners traverse a bridge over a waterlily and fish-filled pond to their bright, considered and joyfully resurrected new home. “Our sanctuary has been created and the effect on our lives has been profound,” they say. “Our brief has been fulfilled in ways we have never imagined and are still discovering."
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.