Bold Yet Restrained – Caulfield North by Flack Studio

A brief of contrasts, one part bold, one part restrained, Caulfield North is the reconfiguration and reinvigoration of a well-loved modernist beauty. Flack Studio injects layered texture and colour to connect and express the art-collector owners’ personality through confident gestures.

Located in Melbourne’s south-east, the home of the same name is situated in the quiet locale of Caulfield North. Built in the 1960s and reminiscent of many modernist homes of the time, key design characteristics stand as a reminder of the period’s experimentation with geometries and the rethinking of contemporary living. Originally designed by architect Michael Feldhagen, the home underwent a more recent renovation in the 1990s, while still retaining some of the key charms of the modernist era, namely the entrance and external features, the timber lined ceilings and key connections to the outdoors. The second iteration was designed by Peter Corrigan, and its most recent sees Flack Studio inject a combined contemporary and bold rejuvenation.

Located in Melbourne’s south-east, the home of the same name is situated in the quiet locale of Caulfield North.

The reconfiguration of Caulfield North is inspired by new moments of connection and a sense of considered purpose throughout. The new works see a revised entry foyer created, an expansion of the kitchen space and the creation of a private dedicated parent space. Maintaining the same sense of uncluttered openness of the homes of the time, the revised floor plan extends the same principles of ease of flow and movement, responding to how the home is used. As a journey of discovery, transitions between spaces are highlighted and expressed while respecting the original architecture. Throughout, materiality is used to elicit a reaction and encourage engagement.

As collectors of art in a more traditional sense, the owner’s embrace of the home itself as an opportunity for self-expression was key, which then extended to the design, allowing the team to explore unencumbered and be experimental in their approach. Throughout, there is a boldness to the use of colour and texture where shapes offer points of curiosity and intrigue, and the curation of art, furniture, lighting and custom joinery creates a complete and immersive experience internally. Balancing the louder areas are spaces of softer palettes, offering a quietness and place of respite. Tapering back from the living room as the main light-filled and social gathering space, each of the other areas speak to their function while still connecting to the home’s original intent.

Built in the 1960s and reminiscent of many modernist homes of the time, key design characteristics stand as a reminder of the period’s experimentation with geometries and the rethinking of contemporary living.

Caulfield North expresses the home’s unique and layered rich past. Bold insertions enliven the existing home as Flack Studio facilitates the owner’s love of art and architecture, celebrating the home’s original era through a contemporary and considered lens.

Originally designed by architect Michael Feldhagen, the home underwent a more recent renovation in the 1990s, while still retaining some of the key charms of the modernist era, namely the entrance and external features, the timber lined ceilings and key connections to the outdoors.