THE AGE-OLD SAYING,
‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ certainly rings true for Australian designer Jessica Bettenay. The adage speaks to both the time and the creative energy put into her latest project, a renovated Victorian weatherboard house in Williamstown, a suburb of Melbourne. The refurbishment was almost six years in the making, but the process was more than worthwhile and saw Jessica deliver her friends Andrew and Kylie O’toole with the home of their dreams.
Sustainable living, a love of natural materials and a desire for a unique dwelling were the driving factors behind the revamp, which included recycling original materials, introducing bespoke fittings and adding a rooftop garden. ‘It took time, patience and four rounds of architectural designs before we started the interior. All in all, it took just under six years to get it right,’ says Jessica, of Melbourne-based design studio Resident Avenue.
It might have been a long process but, according to Jessica, not a second was wasted nor a stone unturned to ensure the right feel was achieved for every space. The overhaul began with the stripping back of the original building, revealing its bare bones and demolishing the kitchen, bathrooms and living areas. ‘In the true spirit of sustainability, all offcuts were upcycled – even the new back gate was built out of salvaged timber,’ says Jessica.
A modern copper angled roof structure installed at the rear of the building set the tone for things to come. Its leaf shape became synonymous with the home and earned the abode its name The Leaf House. Wrapping the copper material from the exterior through to the interior wall of the home’s living room was a genius move, seamlessly linking the spaces.
Jessica selected naturally aged materials including Carrara marble and concrete for the kitchen and bathrooms. Every detail was thoughtfully considered – from the ageing brass taps to the custom drainer set into the marble kitchen worktop.
To encapsulate the home’s timeless style, Jessica used a mix of artwork and furniture, which reflects the owners’ love of travel and natural beauty. Treasures from around the world, including rugs, textiles and sculptures, were integrated, while earthy colours dictate the home’s understated palette. Jessica then layered colourful accessories for depth and impact. ‘It was Kylie and Andrew’s love for and exploration of natural materials that were the trump cards for the successful result,’ Jessica insists.
Another factor underpinning many decisions was the home’s interplay with light. The owners were particular about the need for their family to bask in light, as well as the impact light has on the house’s ambience. Jessica worked with the couple to produce a plan that ticked the boxes both practically and aesthetically. Textural cloud lighting in the hallway, which offers the softest of evening glows, is a stunning example of their ingenious choices.
Functionality was also important and the home’s central living area needed to be a space for the family to connect. Subsequently, a decision was made to remove the TV from the zone, creating a space for the owners to interact.
But it wasn’t just indoors that enjoyed the makeover. A prolific rooftop vegetable garden was added to the build, which saw the family oasis become a much-loved local talking point. ‘Kylie and Andrew don’t need to set foot into a greengrocer, feeding themselves from the abundant home-grown produce,’ Jessica says. ‘The end of every day winds up with them catching up on the day’s events, while they nurture their rooftop patch.’
The house’s overall tapestry is so thought out that it’s hard to fault. According to Jessica, though, the design journey was as important as the end result. It was a collaboration of creative minds, culminating in brave decisions made with a lifetime in mind. ‘The devil is in the detail,’ she says. ‘It’s the emotional response to every facet of this home that makes it special. This house is an honest reflection of the beautiful souls that occupy it.’ See more of Jessica’s work at residentavenue.com.au