Immersive Insertion – Ackmans House by Rob Kennon Architects

The transformation of a historical warehouse into a contemporary home, Ackmans House draws from the unique character of its site without deterring from its original fabric. Rob Kennon Architects both celebrates the building’s existing charm and folds in new elevated gestures to complement the form.

Originally built in the 1960s and an integral part of the industrial fabric of Fitzroy, Ackmans House brings a newly refined sense of purpose to the site. Having undergone several iterations since its inception – both industrial and commercial – the latest reshaping into a residence signals a permanent shift many inner suburbs are seeing. Extending the legacy of the original building formed an important core principle of the brief for Rob Kennon Architects. The architect ensures the old and new could seamlessly coalesce without deterring from the richness and value of each context.

Extending the legacy of the original building formed an important core principle of the brief for Rob Kennon Architects.

In order to preserve the warehouse walls in their truest state, the building was stripped back to its original form, where then a spatial arrangement was brought together to create an almost independent building of its own within the existing original envelope. As a balanced offering to the linear nature of the warehouse, curved forms were used to generate a new interior layout to clearly define a separation between time and space. Concealed from approach, the home and its deep and dark tones reveal themselves as the large pivot door opens. As a unique place of retreat within the busy surrounding streets, the focus on layering a palette of dark finishes ensures a distinct sense of disconnection and immersion once inside.

Contained mainly to the one level, the home features a sculptural staircase of blackened steel that sits centrally and transports up to the independent roof terrace. Optimising the space in response to the increased density of the area, and the rareness of individual greenspace, the roof plays a vital role in reinforcing the feeling of escape and retreat. Similar to the original handcrafted nature of the building, the insertions are conceived through a similarly heightened detail and rigor, where local artisans were engaged to ensure a robust and time wearing response.

As a unique place of retreat within the busy surrounding streets, the focus on layering a palette of dark finishes ensures a distinct sense of disconnection and immersion once inside.

With a combination of materials inciting warmth, sophistication and tranquillity, Ackmans House speaks to a moody and cocooning embrace. Rob Kennon Architects has created a diverse series of moments within, differing from the surrounds and the history of the building to become an expression of its owner.