Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Sensitive Additions Make an Art Deco House Sing
An Art Deco house is updated to create modern, timeless spaces that will endure for many years to come
Not all houses were built to last. But those that were are built with high-quality materials and construction methods. This house has certainly been built for posterity, standing its ground at the end of a cul-de-sac in St Kilda East, Melbourne, since 1935. It has been home to the owners for more than 25 years; they raised their family here without making any modifications during that time.
But, being an older Art Deco house, it had dark, compartmentalised spaces and lacked a connection to the outdoors. The clients wanted to continue living in the home for many years to come, so they engaged Luke Fry design studio to update it. On their wish list was improving the quality of the light and functionality of the house, particularly in the kitchen and dining area; and creating better entertaining spaces indoors and out. They also wanted an ensuite for the master bedroom.
But, being an older Art Deco house, it had dark, compartmentalised spaces and lacked a connection to the outdoors. The clients wanted to continue living in the home for many years to come, so they engaged Luke Fry design studio to update it. On their wish list was improving the quality of the light and functionality of the house, particularly in the kitchen and dining area; and creating better entertaining spaces indoors and out. They also wanted an ensuite for the master bedroom.
The design team created a small contemporary extension to improve the kitchen and dining areas, enhance the interior light and forge a stronger indoor-outdoor connection. The steel-frame extension with full-height glass panes projects from the rear of the house onto a concrete terrace that steps down to the lawn and garden. “It has a conscious aesthetic contrast, but utilises equally high-quality materials,” says Fry.
As in the original house, the extension uses materials that will stand the test of time – concrete, brick, stone, steel, timber and glass – and time-tested construction methods for a more sustainable, long-lasting build.
As in the original house, the extension uses materials that will stand the test of time – concrete, brick, stone, steel, timber and glass – and time-tested construction methods for a more sustainable, long-lasting build.
The addition accommodates a casual dining area, with a pergola extending over an outdoor lounge area, and is designed to respect the heritage of the building. “The square form responds to the existing circular and triangular forms of the house as a recognisable primary shape,” says Fry.
Find an architect near you on Houzz, see their projects and read reviews of their work
Find an architect near you on Houzz, see their projects and read reviews of their work
The steel structure weaves around a much-loved maple tree that provides shade over the outdoor lounge area.
The new extension at the rear of the home
The steel structure frames views of the garden from inside the house, and sliding glass doors open the interior to create a strong connection between indoors and out.
The extension also improves the floor plan, making space for an informal dining area in the alcove of the addition. White walls reflect light for a brighter space, while the timber floor draws the sense of the natural landscape inside.
“It promotes lighter, healthier interior environments, solving the existing dark and dysfunctional spaces of the house,” says Fry.
“It promotes lighter, healthier interior environments, solving the existing dark and dysfunctional spaces of the house,” says Fry.
AOD-RT table: Made by Morgen;
Ercol Originals Butterfly Chair: Temperature Design; Polar wall light: Ross Gardam
Ercol Originals Butterfly Chair: Temperature Design; Polar wall light: Ross Gardam
The dining area is in close proximity to the kitchen, which also enjoys a view of the garden and improved natural light. The materials and detailing emulates the interior features throughout the original house, creating a gracious connection between new and old.
“The kitchen responds to the existing interior details in a way that is respectful and consistent, while staying true to the primary focus of its function,” says Fry.
High-tech appliances are fully integrated behind joinery doors so as not to distract from the beauty of the materials, craftsmanship and the overall aesthetic.
High-tech appliances are fully integrated behind joinery doors so as not to distract from the beauty of the materials, craftsmanship and the overall aesthetic.
Fry selected materials and finishes that are timeless, rather than trend-driven, to create enduring spaces the clients will enjoy for many years to come. The materials are natural and tactile, with rhythmic patterns and beautiful veining or grain.
Blackwood timber joinery matches the existing stairwell, while black marble benchtops introduce a sense of drama and contrast with the light, textured-tile splashback.
“The use of light and dark materials create moody spaces expected to be found in a home of this era,” says Fry. “The resulting spaces are mature and refined, relaxed and calm, much more reflective of how the client lives in and uses the home today.”
Sirus Black marble bench top: CDK Stone; Side Step pendant: Volker Haug; Inax tiles: Artedomus
Blackwood timber joinery matches the existing stairwell, while black marble benchtops introduce a sense of drama and contrast with the light, textured-tile splashback.
“The use of light and dark materials create moody spaces expected to be found in a home of this era,” says Fry. “The resulting spaces are mature and refined, relaxed and calm, much more reflective of how the client lives in and uses the home today.”
Sirus Black marble bench top: CDK Stone; Side Step pendant: Volker Haug; Inax tiles: Artedomus
Two arches connect the kitchen to a formal dining area in the centre of the house. This space – and the living spaces – remained intact, with no intervention except a fresh coat of paint.
A frameless pivot door between the kitchen and dining area conceals the entrance to a new laundry and powder room, improving the use of space and functionality.
“It provides a sense of privacy while remaining in close proximity to the kitchen, dining and outdoor spaces for ease of use,” says Fry.
The powder room has a rich dark-blue palette with tiled walls and a vanity designed by Fry.
Bathroom vanity: Luke Fry; Tapware: Astra Walker; Inax tiles: Artedomus
Bathroom vanity: Luke Fry; Tapware: Astra Walker; Inax tiles: Artedomus
The existing timber staircase remains a beautiful feature in the house, and is almost entirely original and in immaculate condition. The staircase inspired the timber finishes in the kitchen, helping to create cohesion throughout the house.
“The interior design is intended to remain as relevant today as it does in 100 years, both complementing and enhancing the existing context of the house with a seamless integration,” says Fry.
“High-quality and long-lasting materials have been carefully selected to create unique spaces that continuously engage the user and their experience within the space as a whole.”
“High-quality and long-lasting materials have been carefully selected to create unique spaces that continuously engage the user and their experience within the space as a whole.”
The master bedroom
The master bedroom is a relaxed and comfortable space with a light and timeless palette. A window seat in the corner enjoys light through the arched window and provides additional storage.
The clients wanted an ensuite for their bedroom. Set in the intersection of the gabled roof, the bathroom is a luxurious bathing space with a dark and moody palette. Grey tiled walls contrast with white ceilings to accentuate the forms of the house.
Bathroom vanity: Luke Fry; Mizu tapware: Reece
Bathroom vanity: Luke Fry; Mizu tapware: Reece
“The execution of the highly detailed design and the craftsmanship of construction sets a precedent for how to renovate and prolong the life of a period home without an excessive cost or extensive demolition,” says Fry.
“The architectural solution to the client’s brief and existing site conditions is one of constraint and consideration which, in response, adds cultural value to not only the house itself, but enriches the neighbourhood character.”
Your turn
What do you love most about this home? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save your favourite images, and join the conversation.
More
Missed our last Houzz Tour? Take a look at this Spain Houzz Tour: An Art Collector’s Grand Spanish Apartment
“The architectural solution to the client’s brief and existing site conditions is one of constraint and consideration which, in response, adds cultural value to not only the house itself, but enriches the neighbourhood character.”
Your turn
What do you love most about this home? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save your favourite images, and join the conversation.
More
Missed our last Houzz Tour? Take a look at this Spain Houzz Tour: An Art Collector’s Grand Spanish Apartment
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their son
Location: St Kilda East, Victoria
Size: 291 square metres, four bedrooms, two bathrooms
Architecture and interior design: Luke Fry
Landscape design: BLAC. Design
“The quality of the original construction is testament to the long-term impact of doing something right the first time,” says Luke Fry. “This allowed us to maintain almost all of the original house, only requiring a conservative additional increase in floor space.”
The spacious home contributes to a preserved heritage streetscape in St Kilda East, Melbourne. “This is truly rare in an inner-urban context and something that we celebrated,” says Fry.