A Calming Sanctuary – Wheatland House by Tom Robertson Architects

In a quiet tree-lined street in Melbourne’s inner south-east sits a warm and light-filled family home. Wheatland House sees Tom Robertson Architects renovate an Edwardian-era house that harmoniously blends old and new, the original heritage structure lovingly restored and a new addition built to create a beautiful and functional family abode.

Wheatland House is a response to a familiar brief, balancing heritage constraints and limited space with the needs of a growing family. Not only mitigating the challenges associated with the site but also emphasising the opportunities offered by the project, Tom Robertson Architects has crafted a nuanced interpretation of the typology. The newly built form of the home is located beyond an existing heritage structure, carefully designed to minimise the exposure of the new elements viewed from the street. The heritage façade acts as both a filter to the home and as a privacy screen for its occupants, allowing the original fabric to remain undisturbed. The new perimeter walls are constructed from a crisp brick that provides a sense of security and permanence, whilst the interior is drenched with natural light and warm hues that create an elegant and inviting atmosphere – an impressive feat given the addition is south-facing.

The heritage façade acts as both a filter to the home and as a privacy screen for its occupants, allowing the original fabric to remain undisturbed.

The front four bedrooms of the original heritage house have been retained, with a dedicated large home office replacing the planned formal sitting room – a response to the pandemic. Three children’s bedrooms sit triangulated to the family bathroom, separate powder room and central laundry and round-off the existing house’s footprint. A large living room is situated in the lower part of the house, cascading down from the original dwelling. The space boasts a northern window that opens to a small pocket garden, allowing the afternoon sun to pour in. The adjacent kitchen is spacious and flows seamlessly to the dining zone, which is anchored by a Made by Morgen dining table nestled beneath a raised roofline. To the back, cleverly concealed behind a brick wall, sits a garage accessible from the rear laneway. Glazed sliding doors from the living and kitchen areas spill onto an outdoor terrace and garden area, designed by Plume, where the pool enclosure is located. An elongated planter box runs along the entire length of the pool, adding to the serenity of the backyard.

The emotional response on arrival at Wheatland House is unexpected. The amount of light, volume and connection to the garden evokes a sense of tranquillity; “you instantly feel a sense of calm and relaxation,” Tom Robertson, Founding Director of Tom Robertson Architects, reflects. Moving from one room to another is effortless, thanks to the thoughtful design that creates a sense of order and refinement. The material palette reflects Tom Robertson Architects’s rigorous composition of elements, with soft, earthy tones lending warmth and tranquillity to the home. Stacked concrete blocks define the new zone and add a subtle texture to the design. In the original part of the residence, a controlled and mut-ed palette adds balance. “We wanted to bring in some warmth, and we used American oak to do that,” recalls Mitch Mewing, Associate at Tom Robertson Architects.

The clients didn’t want a pretentious house, but rather one that is peaceful and effortlessly liveable.

As a practice, Tom Robertson Architects has a dedicated approach to design that is accessible and consultative, helping clients to refine their ideas and articulate what they love. The studio believes in the power of collaboration, which is grounded in trust and open communication, and Wheatland House epitomises this method. The couple who owns the property had purchased it several years prior, intending to renovate, and sought out Tom Robertson Architects for its subtle approach to architecture and interiors. Looking to create an enduring and inviting home for their growing family, it was important to them that the house sat gently in its context. “The clients didn’t want a pretentious house, but rather one that is peaceful and effortlessly liveable,” Tom explains. The couple had a clear programmatic brief that specified the number and size of the rooms; however, they also collaboratively developed a sensory brief that would make the house feel calm, earthy and soft to the touch. The resulting home not only meets the client’s practical needs but also enriches their daily lives.

Wheatland House exemplifies how old and new can work harmoniously to create a beautiful and functional family home. With attention to detail and a focus on collaboration, Tom Robertson Architects has created a space that is calm and inviting for its custodians. The restrained material palette and innovative design elements combine to create a residential escape that is timeless, understated and a true testament to the power of exceptional architecture.