Autumn House by Studio Bright

Built on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation

— Autumn House was reviewed by Michael Macleod in Houses 145. See architectureau.com/ articles/autumn-house.

Jury citation The latest incarnation of this Victorian-era terrace with a 1980s renovation by architect Mick Jörgensen has delivered a family home full of thoughtfulness, consideration and style. Studio Bright’s work includes a new addition at the rear consisting of a kitchen, living room and main bedroom. A rooftop deck basks in the winter sun while a mesh framework prevents overlooking and waits patiently for the jasmine to take over.

A sliding door off the kitchen reveals the best of Jörgensen’s work: the original lounge room with a central bagged brick fireplace that is presented almost as an architectural tribute. A wonderful example of the care that went into this work is the shower curtain, hand-sewn by architect Maia Close after a suitable one could not be found. This is a project that successfully marries the old and the not-so-old, presenting an exciting vision for the continuing reinvention of the humble terrace.

In a classic Melbourne sporting analogy, Studio Bright is a football team on song.

Architect Studio Bright; Project team Melissa Bright, Maia Close, Rob McIntyre, Emily Watson, Annie Suratt, Pei She Lee; Builder Provan Built; Engineer Meyer Consulting; Landscape consultant Eckersley Garden Architecture; Photographer Rory Gardiner