A Thoughtful Transformation – Auburn Road House by Solomon Troup

Auburn Road House is a grand Edwardian residence in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn that has been thoughtfully transformed by Solomon Troup into an elegant and welcoming contemporary home whilst preserving the original heritage detailing.

As is so often the case with period homes, the existing plan was insular and disconnected. With the original architecture lacking in its response to the established gardens that surround the house, the new work was focused on key interventions that would open the dwelling to the landscape while also improving its liveability and functionality. Balancing this agenda was the emphasis on retaining the charm and classic Edwardian detail of the original home, complemented by a timeless material palette of natural stone and timber.

To the west of the open kitchen-living-dining space, large windows that frame views of the landscape were added. One is positioned adjacent to a mature crepe myrtle tree on the site which provides shading from the hot westerly sun in summer as well as a calming green aspect and beautiful arrays of flowers in the springtime. Below the second window to the west, an integrated window seat provides an opportunity to pause and enjoy the afternoon sun as well as incidentally becoming the primary sitting area when entertaining visitors. To the east, meanwhile, sliding doors create a seamless transition from inside to outside, encouraging a sense of flow from within the home into the garden and outdoor entertaining space.

With the original architecture lacking in its response to the established gardens that surround the house, the new work was focused on key interventions that would open the dwelling to the landscape while also improving its liveability and functionality.

By focusing on relatively small in scope interventions that nonetheless have a significant effect on the nature of the home, its connection to the site and between spaces, the Auburn Road House highlights that the simplest design moves can have the biggest impact. The result retains and celebrates the integrity of the original period features while now offering a functional and elegant family home.

Auburn Road House is a grand Edwardian residence in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn that has been thoughtfully transformed by Solomon Troup into an elegant and welcoming contemporary home

The result retains and celebrates the integrity of the original period features while now offering a functional and elegant family home.