Barkly House by Fowler and Ward

Fowler and Ward’s redesign of Barkly House in Fitzroy North reimagines an Edwardian home into a light-filled, inward-looking sanctuary, tailored to the needs of a young family.

Facing the typical challenges associated with a narrow inner-city terrace, Barkly House looks beyond the conventional outward-facing design. Instead, it emphasises the interior experience, creating a self-sufficient space that connects deeply with its occupants rather than its external context. The design’s focus on light, volume and atmosphere within the home offers a thoughtful response to the compact and urban nature of the site.

Facing the typical challenges associated with a narrow inner-city terrace, Barkly House looks beyond the conventional outward-facing design.

A key feature of the redesign is the asymmetrical, pyramidal ceiling with a large skylight. This architectural choice introduces a surprising sense of spaciousness to the compact home. The polished plaster ceiling enhances the effect, reflecting natural light throughout the day and reducing the need for artificial lighting until dusk. The ceiling’s geometric form is as functional as it is striking, guiding light through the space and creating a dynamic play of shadows as the sun moves across the sky.

The interior embraces thoughtful simplicity, with a restrained material palette that complements the form. The kitchen features soft green cabinetry and speckled stone benchtops, adding texture to the minimalist design, while timber floors provide warmth and contrast against the plastered walls. Muted colours and carefully selected materials create a serene, welcoming atmosphere throughout, with the primary bedroom offering a quiet retreat through its earthy tones and natural textures.

Barkly House demonstrates how considered design can balance spaciousness and intimacy in a heritage home.

Opting not to pursue a double-storey extension, Fowler and Ward chose to maximise the single-storey layout, varying the ceiling height from a central peak to a more intimate 2.4 metres at the edges. This approach preserves the home’s modest external profile while enhancing the sense of space inside. The discreet roof peak, hidden from both the rear lane and the street, maintains the charm of the Edwardian facade. Meanwhile, the strategic use of the skylight and varied ceiling heights creates a balance of openness and intimacy, allowing each area to feel distinct yet cohesive.

The project also incorporates a west-facing courtyard, ingeniously carved out of the building’s depth. This courtyard provides cross-ventilation, secluded views and daylight deep into the home’s extended layout, ensuring that the living spaces feel connected to the outside while remaining private. This thoughtful integration allows the dwelling to breathe, providing a quiet outdoor retreat that is shielded from the surrounding urban environment.

Barkly House demonstrates how considered design can balance spaciousness and intimacy in a heritage home. Fowler and Ward have crafted a space that honours its Edwardian roots while meeting contemporary living demands, blending old and new with a timeless yet modern touch.

Architecture by Fowler and Ward. Build by Dimpat. Landscape design by Peachy Green.