A European Influence – Alexandra House by AKI

Acting as a conduit, Alexandra House aims to capture the European spirit in its refinement and classical rhythmic detailing whilst responding to existing elements. AKI reworks the recently built home to reflect the current owners’ characters more closely, establishing their history within the modernist form and animating the interiors through subtleties in colour.

Surrounded by other generous and established dwellings, Alexandra House is located within South Yarra and is the second iteration of the home. Having recently been designed and built for the previous owner, the aim was to make minimal changes that had a lasting and integral impact. Drawn to the style of European residences, and the steeped history typically embedded within them, the owners wanted to connect their own space to their heritage whilst overlying individual expression in the process. In its own way, the home needed to respond to both its context and the modernist elements already present whilst imbuing a feeling that you could be anywhere in the world.

With much of the floor plan remaining as it was, the insertion of steel and glass doors in the thresholds between inside and out increased the visual connections and expanded the sense of scale.

AKI overlays quality materials and reshapes the crafted nature of the spaces to embed longevity and permanence. With much of the floor plan remaining as it was, the insertion of steel and glass doors in the thresholds between inside and out increased the visual connections and expanded the sense of scale. By opening the inside to the outside and increasing the flow within, this brings classical references into an otherwise non-descript home. Being handmade, the doors signified a more artisanal resolve, which was key to the brief.

A selection of other hard-wearing and robust finishes was used to re-craft the interiors, with terrazzo and marble adding a smoothness in the bathroom and kitchen, and timber in the flooring and select joinery pieces bringing warmth. In transforming the existing form, custom joinery lines the walls and hides the amenities needed to support the daily functions of the home and overlays considered and refined detailing. Completing the story is a selection of furniture, artwork and lighting – many created by European designers – to fill the spaces with items that will endure along with the other introduced elements.

A selection of other hard-wearing and robust finishes was used to re-craft the interiors, with terrazzo and marble adding a smoothness in the bathroom and kitchen, and timber in the flooring and select joinery pieces bringing warmth.

With its own private courtyard, Alexander House is internally focused. AKI ensures the fusing of the past and present in a forward-thinking and lasting home.