Bayside Terrace by Pasquale Cook
Bayside Terrace embodies a European aesthetic in its tone and design, as Pasquale Cook transforms the 130-year-old Victorian heritage home into a modern and spacious oasis while enhancing its outward connections.
Nestled within Middle Park’s charming green streets, Bayside Terrace becomes a considered and thoughtful home. Blending traditional elements with elevated luxury suitable for its Victorian style, the aim of the designer was to uphold the timeless essence of the original dwelling. Once inside, a luminous sanctuary presents itself, preserving the integrity of the existing proportions while inviting natural light deeper into the interior. Pasquale Cook realises the property’s full potential through a renovation, restoration and expansion effort, with a focus on dissolving thresholds between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
An important aspect of the transformation involved excavating the rear of the property, allowing for the introduction of a new form, characterised by generous three-metre-high ceilings, thereby enhancing the spaciousness of the main living area. By introducing floor-to-ceiling steel-framed glazing in the rear facade, more deliberate connections between inside and out were achieved. The strategic framing of the outdoor private space – particularly valued in such an urban setting – serves to not only highlight the interior’s spaces but also allows for a more seamless blend between natural and built elements. With a focus on creating a retreat, the integration of light, air and greenery played a pivotal role in enhancing the home’s calming ambience.
Taking cues from Belgian architecture and interior design, the designer draws inspiration from their tones and overall simplicity. Ornate detailing in the new insertions provides a contrast to the existing plaster features. Imagining the home as a legacy item to be passed down meant prioritising materials that would stand the test of time and continue to add warmth and texture throughout. Achieving a balance between the dwelling’s historical elements and its contemporary context is realised through a cohesive palette that unifies the entire residence, allowing the old and new features to complement one another.
The newly added level in Bayside Terrace enhances its connection to both the Melbourne skyline and its immediate surroundings. Pasquale Cook retains the original charm and character of the home while introducing updates that align with the current owners’ preferences and will endure for years to come.
Interior design by Pasquale Cook. Build by Tilbuilt.
