Erected in 1889 and sympathetically updated by Taylor Knights, Armadale House exemplifies a timeless adaptation, deftly bridging eras with grace. At the core of this transformation lay the challenge of weaving together the historical and the contemporary in a way where neither overshadows the other. Taylor Knights approached this challenge with reverence, embracing a harmonious philosophy. “Our approach with heritage is always to work with the DNA and logic of the building,” says Peter Knights, director of the Melbourne-based practice. Guided by this principle, the renovation honoured the building’s history while seamlessly integrating modern amenities. This approach has transformed Armadale House into a present-day sanctuary through the thoughtful use of landscape, strategic apertures and meticulous architectural detailing. Words by Peter Bain