Canterbury Terrace by Albert Mo Architects

Canterbury Terrace is thoughtfully reimagined to honour its Victorian-era roots while embracing contemporary design elements. Albert Mo Architects weaves rich, textural details into the home, elegantly framing transition points and connecting it with the surrounding landscape.

Surrounded by similar Victorian residences in East Melbourne, Canterbury Terrace stands as a celebration of its past. Spanning three levels, the expanded dwelling blends old and new, with the architect respecting its original character. Like many homes of its kind, integrating natural light was key to enhancing the building’s contemporary ambience. Transformations begin at the entrance, where a redefined approach and removal of internal walls promote movement. This sequence extends throughout, bringing a series of changes that enhance openness and flow inside.

Skylights placed above draw natural light deep into the abode, creating a cohesive atmosphere.

Balancing heritage preservation with the desire for increased light and openness presented challenges. Skylights placed above draw natural light deep into the abode, creating a cohesive atmosphere. The design maintains a warm and rich aesthetic, harmonising old and new elements by integrating existing architectural details into new insertions. Central to the reworking is the oversized 6.5-metre-long island bench, which redefines the kitchen as the heart of the home – a pivotal gathering space.

The crafted elements and details throughout serve to unify and highlight the home’s existing handmade features while weaving in new innovations and techniques. A re-evaluation of the floor plan has optimised functional spaces to better suit the owners’ lifestyle preferences. A newly added concrete terrace connects the dining and kitchen areas, enhancing visibility and promoting seamless movement between them while providing glimpses of the surrounding landscape. By employing contrasts between light and dark, as well as varying sizes of spaces, the design evokes a sensory response, which was a key consideration.

The design maintains a warm and rich aesthetic, harmonising old and new elements by integrating existing architectural details into new insertions.

By examining the site and a taking a minimalist approach, Albert Mo Architects ensures Canterbury Terrace retains a connection to its past and present. The design enriches daily engagement with the house, preserving and honouring its legacy.

Architecture and interior design by Albert Mo Architects. Build by Comb Construction. Landscape design by TNLA Landscape Architects.