Changing History – Athlunkard House by Molecule Studio

While the new owners loved the heritage feel of Athlunkard House, as a young family in the 21st century they needed more natural light, better spatial connections in the living areas and, upstairs, an ensuite bathroom. In response to this brief, a nimble renovation by Molecule Studio retains all the charm of the 1890s West Melbourne terrace house yet adds a rich new dimension to its story.

The intent was for minimal impact on the original features of the home, but there was another consideration: a significant upgrade about 25 years ago by noteable Melbourne architect Suzanne Dance, which included the addition of a black-steel-framed conservatory at the rear of the house. Embracing the benefits of those improvements was a priority. Molecule Studio’s approach was informed by the unabashed use of contemporary materials and functionality. In the architects’ view, these new additions are a response to a current lifestyle in the context of this house: the design language of those insertions are influenced by the thinking of our time.

New sits alongside old as layers in the narrative of the house, linked by subtle cues. Colours such as the rich reds, greens and blues in the stained glass and the house’s painted brick façade are repeated in the bathroom cabinetry.

On the ground floor, an existing fireplace structure was being used as a cooker niche, which formed a barrier between the dining-conservatory area and the kitchen. It disrupted the flow, blocked the natural light that the added conservatory intended to invite in and had long ago been stripped of its decorative features. Molecule Studio worked with the structural engineer to remove it but still preserve the characterful fireplace on the upstairs floor and the existing chimney. A step in the floor level was maintained, but the changes meant there was room for a large island and allowed a visual connection from the back of the house through the kitchen and into the dining area.

The work to the upstairs required a thoughtful floor plan adjustment. What was previously a bedroom was divided to create a family bathroom and an ensuite that connected to the grand master bedroom at the front of the house. A clever bedroom layout makes room for ample wardrobe and storage space: these new elements deliberately stand apart from the home’s historic features such as the intricate cornicing to allow them to remain intact.

New sits alongside old as layers in the narrative of the house, linked by subtle cues. Dark-stained original floorboards create a cohesive feel with the Blue Moon granite of the island bench. The steel-framed shower screens in the bathrooms not only echo the conservatory addition but also the home’s original leadlighting. Colours such as the rich reds, greens and blues in the stained glass and the house’s painted brick façade are repeated in the new cabinetry. The result is a contemporary upgrade that sits comfortably, the disparate pieces of the story of the home all playing their part in the new composition.