An Unexpected Pub Conversion– Carlton Residence by Hecker Guthrie

As a pub conversion, Carlton Residence sees the opening up of its original bones to welcome in abounding natural light and add layers of depth and texture. Hecker Guthrie combine contemporary insertions with a respectful interplay with the original heritage elements.

Neatly tucked into the tightly packed inner north of Melbourne’s Carlton, the same-named Residence sees the conversion of an existing pub into a family home for its current custodians. Working within the inherited formal planning and heritage detailing, the resulting home speaks to an energised contemporary experience. Taking cues from the original home and combining with musings from more muted and restrained influences, each of the zones become better connected, with a sense of intentional purpose. Hecker Guthrie bring their experienced heritage hand, to delicately weave the old with the new, respecting what has come before, while curating platforms for a continued narrative to unfold within the home.

Neatly tucked into the tightly packed inner north of Melbourne’s Carlton, the same-named Residence sees the conversion of an existing pub into a family home for its current custodians.

Together with architect Ridolfi Architecture, and joinery by PB Cabinets, the collaborative approach sees an all-encompassing approach. Imagined as a series of unique spaces for its young family, it was integral to have a sense of separation while still allowing for visual connectivity. The insertion of statement glazed vertical elements allows the creation of zones, drawing on the home’s original connection to craft, while allowing for dedicated spaces to emerge. The intent for each space to naturally flow into the next is emphasises by the minimal and deliberately simplistic palette that is applied in each of the spaces. White-washed timber flooring ties everything together for consistency, while a muted palette of warm neutrals becomes the base for the personalisation through furniture, artwork and objects, adding layers of considered richness.

The home converts the traditional and rigid planning to reflect the needs and layout of a more contemporary home. Flexibility was key, allowing the interchangeability of spaces to reflect the fluid nature of family life, creating opportunities for expansion and contraction. Originally a furniture and decoration project only, the scope of works soon expanded and evolved into the whole home as an interior renovation, reflecting a growing understanding and appreciation of the client’s connection to layering and the instilled richness each space had the potential to grasp. The completed works see a new kitchen and powder room added to the previous brief, completing the picture.

Carlton Residence beautifully captures the spirit of the old and the new living together in unison. Through select and appropriate insertions, Hecker Guthrie along with Ridolfi Architecture, propose a home of purpose and relevance, designed to endure.

Working within the inherited formal planning and heritage detailing, the resulting home speaks to an energised contemporary experience.