Brick and Gable House is shortlisted for the 2019 Victorian Architecture Awards in Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions).

Brick and Gable House is about building less to give more. It’s about an urban family changed by their experience of living in Copenhagen, deciding to live a simple and sustainable way. It is a modest, smart approach to living and a place our clients could instantly call home. Located in Port Melbourne, we retained the heritage listed front facade with limited alteration to the original terrace house. The addition sits lightly behind the terrace, with a new freestanding, recycled brick studio addressing the rear of the site.

It is both home and office, house and garden, private and urbane. The idea of building a studio at the rear of an old victorian terrace creates both connection to the street beyond and builds a shaded and protected courtyard. The courtyard becomes central to the families existence in their work life and their family life. A place to relax and a place to play.

Brick and Gable house is a modest but smart approach to living space. A home that feels lived in for longer than it has been. The project prioritises functionality, liveability and sustainability. It delivers on this mission with less material and less area, building less to give more.