Injecting Calm – North Fitzroy Terrace by Freadman White

Injecting a sense of calm into an existing Victorian single-fronted home in Melbourne’s inner-north, North Fitzroy Terrace sees Freadman White apply acute organic sensibilities to extend the dilapidated shell.

To the rear of the existing single-fronted Victorian era home stood an extension, a familiar humble extension reminiscent of an era of homebuilders not trained in construction nor carpentry. The resulting ‘lean-to’ structure (a loose term in this case) had worn out its inevitable lifespan, and (for the sake of all involved) was in need of demolition. Hence, the blank rear-of-a-heritage-era home canvas was born.

In the case of North Fitzroy Terrace, these unsavoury conditions are also in conjunction with with limited site access, restriction of natural light throughout the internal spaces and an unfavourable closeness of proximity to neighbours. To combat these inherited traits, Freadman White chose to open the rear both outward and upward. The decision to increase the additional volume update allows for both an increased sense of space internally, and also provide framed moments (or vistas) of the surrounding context and canopies. These punctuated and curated windows become portholes to the outside world.

To the rear of the existing single-fronted Victorian era home stood an extension, a familiar humble extension reminiscent of an era of homebuilders not trained in construction nor carpentry.

Working on a modest budget, Freadman White collaborated with Anon Studio and R & K Services as the builder. The simplicity of form, extending both outward and upward by way of clean, uninterrupted lines creates a contrast in both style of the home’s Victorian frontage, and also stands in stark contrast to the existing structural remains of the previous extension.

The purposed lack of ornamentation sees clean and minimal junctions internally meet the window elements with a calming sense of purpose. The expressed use of rendered brickwork throughout the interior expresses its structure, and the external darkened timber cladding matches the glazing framework and internal kitchen and integrated joinery. The deliberate restraint in material palette shows a confident sensibility. The sweeping ceiling is near clear of all services, further emphasising the planar and the single wrapping stone surface across the kitchen to the living room joinery encourages the eye and movement toward the newly revitalised back courtyard.

Working on a modest budget, Freadman White collaborated with Anon Studio and R & K Services as the builder.

North Fitzroy Terrace sees a familiar story become an envied one. Materiality and form are approached with equal restraint to offer a softness and inject a sense of calm into such a small and limited site. Freadman White has brought the studio’s signature inquisitive and crafted approach and applied it with a broad but subtle brush to this relaxed, tranquil home.