In The Groove
A 1960s home in Melbourne gets a transformation celebrating the power of colour.
Nestled among rows of stately Edwardians, this modernist home in Melbourne’s inner south-east is a standout. Undaunted by its century-old neighbours, the updated residence celebrates colour at every turn.
When Nicole and David Neal, parents to Callum, 15, James, 13, and nine-year-old Charlotte, bought the four-bedroom house in 2011, it was a far cry from the exciting home it is today. In fact, the couple was advised to call in the wrecking ball. “We had one architect look over the place who said the house didn’t fit into this area and should be knocked down!” says Nicole.
“It was built in 1967 and hadn’t been touched – inside or out – since then, though it was well maintained. Think pristine late1960s decor: yellow shag-pile carpet, lino, brown mosaic tiles in the bathrooms, a Mission Brown kitchen with very narrow benches and, on the outside, mottled chocolate-coloured bricks.”
The couple turned to architect Emilio Fuscaldo of Nest Architects, TCM Building Group and landscape designer F iona Brock ho ff to help realise their vision for a home that was not all about show, just cosy and comfortable to live in. “They wanted to celebrate the architecture and keep as much of the yard as possible because they spend a lot of time outside,” says Emilio. “The plan was to create a really social house with a timeless feel that is as casual and welcoming as its owners.”
Significant structural work was needed to bring the home into the 21st century. To increase the feeling of space, some internal walls were removed and rooms repurposed to improve the flow. The rear section was demolished and rebuilt to accommodate a spacious new open-plan kitchen/dining/living area on the ground floor, and three bedrooms, a family room, bathroom and laundry below – all within the existing footprint.
Nicole and David never doubted that the aquatic blues and greens they carefully chose would be the hero in their home. “They are classic colours that go with everything,” says Nicole.
Today, the home is a light and open creative haven. Textured timber, in the form of cladding and herringbone parquetry, is given prominence while other materials, including linoleum, Pirelli rubber, copper and stone, are used in interesting ways. Shades of teal are the unifying chord and threaded throughout.
Nicole contends that being afraid of colour isn’t necessary. “You just have to learn how to control it,” she says. “It can be a bit of trial and error, but one overall colour can work really well.”
Another important aspect of the home is its connection to the outdoor spaces. As the leafy block slopes away from street level, the ground floor, which houses the new main bedroom suite, courtyard, library, study nook and luminous living area, seemingly floats among the trees. The lower level, which is the children’s domain, links directly to the lush landscaped rear garden and new pool.
For the Neals, the greatest appeal of this home lies in its functionality. “It’s been designed specifically for our family and how we live,” says a delighted Nicole. “It’s a house just for us.” >
Nest Architects, Melbourne, Victoria; (03) 9329 2390 or nestarchitects.com.au. Fiona Brockhoff Design, Toorak, Victoria; 0418 690 012 or fionabrockhoffdesign.com.
‘Everything in the house wears so well. The Corian benchtops in particular are amazing. They’re virtually indestructible.’ Nicole Neal