Echo House by Parabolica

Echo House in Melbourne reimagines a mid-century family dwelling as a contemporary retreat rooted in Australian modernism and embracing the spirit of the past while responding to the needs of family life.

Set amid the established greenery of its suburban Kew site, Echo House reverberates the principles of mid-century design while embracing a renewed purpose. For a family of four, the dwelling had long been a place of connection. Structural challenges during the design process ultimately led the project from a renovation to a new build, but the resulting home reflects a carefully considered interpretation of its architectural origins.

The mid-century influences that had shaped the original home became a touchstone for the project, from material selection to the rooflines.

“From the outset, we wanted to retain the mid-century character of the home, along with its openness, light and warmth while creating more space to meet the needs of the family,” says Jasmine Placentino, director at Parabolica. The introduction of a second storey allowed for the preservation of the lush garden while creating the necessary space for the family to grow. The project was designed to complement the qualities of the original home, with the ground floor rebuilt like-for-like and enhanced where needed while reconfiguring the interior spaces to better respond to the family’s needs. “Retaining the original footprint was critical to preserving the connection to the garden and outdoor spaces.”

Pivoting from a renovation to a new build part-way through the project brought both challenges and opportunities. While the loss of the original structure was unavoidable, it gave Parabolica greater freedom to reinterpret key elements. “Mid-century architecture was a departure point for us, inspiring a home that feels contemporary without replicating past styles,” says Placentino. The mid-century influences that had shaped the original home became a touchstone for the project, from material selection to the rooflines.

A linear skylight runs the length of the central living area, casting soft, shifting shadows over the timber-lined walls and filling the space with natural warmth.

The architecture of Echo House plays on the subtle contrasts of its material palette, where overlapping rooflines, horizontal timber cladding and full-height glazing create a rhythm that ties old with new. The project explores light, volume and texture through delicate moments of contrast, creating spaces that feel dynamic yet cohesive. At the heart of the home, a substantial bookshelf defines the central ground-floor area, creating a sense of scale that complements the family’s treasured piano. “The bespoke double-height shelving is a defining feature,” says Ben Pitman, director at Parabolica. “Its verticality enhances the sense of height while acting as a sculptural backdrop for the piano and lounge area.”

Throughout Echo House, light becomes a key architectural element. A linear skylight runs the length of the central living area, casting soft, shifting shadows over the timber-lined walls and filling the space with natural warmth. The carefully calibrated balance of light and volume defines distinct zones, from the intimate low-ceilinged entry to the open-plan kitchen, dining and living spaces beyond. The piano area, framed by glazing on two sides, opens seamlessly to the garden, where the architecture and landscape converge.

“Blurring the line between inside and out was central to the brief. We used continuity of materials and views to create a sense of immersion in the landscape.”

The garden itself plays a vital role in shaping the experience of the home. Framed by full-height glazing and operable timber screens, it offers a dynamic backdrop where seasonal changes bring shifting light and shadows into the interior. Upstairs, the terrace and roof garden extend the living space outward, offering a tranquil space among the tree canopies. “Blurring the line between inside and out was central to the brief,” says Placentino. “We used continuity of materials and views to create a sense of immersion in the landscape.”

Echo House explores subtle moments of contrast through its material palette. Light Tasmanian oak is juxtaposed with darker timber cladding, creating a rhythm that reinforces the design language and is extended from interior to exterior. Concrete brick establishes the ground floor, while natural stone benchtops and stainless-steel accents introduce a refined contrast. “The material palette was designed to feel cohesive and grounded,” says Pitman. “We balanced light and dark timbers with overlapping rooflines to honour the original character while introducing something new.”

Operable timber screens on the terrace allow filtered light to cascade into the upper level, offering both privacy and an ever-changing interplay of shadow and texture.

The clients’ affinity for mid-century architecture extended beyond the home itself. Their collection of vintage furniture and artefacts was carefully integrated into the new spaces, lending an authentic connection to the past. “Our approach honoured the mid-century character of the home while integrating the clients’ collection of furniture, light fittings and artworks,” says Placentino.

Echo House’s spatial flow reflects a thoughtful response to the family’s lifestyle. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by an intimate lobby that opens into the expansive central living space. A steel-framed fluted glass door subtly divides the front of the home from the open-plan areas at the rear, where a second fireplace is set into a brick wall framed by timber shelving. Upstairs, the gallery runs along the home’s central axis, connecting the main bedroom, two children’s bedrooms and a study. Operable timber screens on the terrace allow filtered light to cascade into the upper level, offering both privacy and an ever-changing interplay of shadow and texture.

Balancing mid-century principles with contemporary sensibilities, Echo House achieves a renewed architectural rigour. For the family, the result is a home that feels familiar yet entirely reimagined. “When our clients moved in, they said they felt immediately at home, which is rare for a new build,” says Placentino. “They described a sense of calm and familiarity, as though they already knew where everything belonged.”

Architecture by Parabolica. Build by Imperial Builders.

Balancing mid-century principles with contemporary sensibilities, Echo House achieves a renewed architectural rigour.