Balancing Renewal with Preservation – Caulfield North House by SR&O

A renovation designed to complement the existing home, rather than to completely remodel, Caulfield North House by SR&O has replanned and refit the interiors of an original SJB-designed residence. Spaces are reconfigured and living areas are carefully refurbished, gracefully illustrating a thoughtful rejuvenation.

Approaching a home that has not been touched since its initial construction, which in this case occurred during the late 1980s, poses a challenging exercise in balance and consideration. For SR&O, this meant paying close attention to maintaining the key architectural aspects of the house whilst working to achieve a contemporary design. SR&O also had to consider the home’s inhabitants, a young family of five, and adapt the floor plan accordingly.

Set in Melbourne’s leafy inner suburbs, spaces have been carefully reworked to complement the home’s lush surroundings.

Set in Melbourne’s leafy inner suburbs, spaces have been carefully reworked to complement the home’s lush surroundings. The floor plan has been redesigned to welcome more natural light into the home, and new windows incorporated to create outlooks that beautifully frame the surrounding greenery. These changes also nurture a greater connection to the garden and pool areas. To accommodate more bedrooms and a greater master suite, spaces have been re-imagined by restructuring what were previously a games room, gym and custom sauna.

As the interiors of Caulfield North House are the main focus of renovations, close attention has been paid to choosing furnishings that complement the existing pieces designed by SJB for the original interiors. As such, many of the main pieces have been custom designed. The subtle refurbishment of living spaces also reflects consideration — selections made to create a more open and light-filled area for family gatherings. A series of statement sculptural light fittings provide a sense of completeness to the relatively minimalist spaces.

New additions are subtle yet bold and cleverly allow the original home to enter the 21st century without overwhelming its original character.

A thoughtful selection of textural materials also complements the original dwelling. Throughout the home, raw, earthy textures dominate with a layering of various stones, shaded terrazzo and ceramics. The sauna incorporates local cedar panels, while the master suite features a richer palette to create a separation from the rest of the home, including bespoke carpet, unique stone selections and a walnut timber veneer.

SR&O’s approach to Caulfield North House was guided by the intention of carefully reworking a home by complementing its existing design and structure. New additions are subtle yet bold and cleverly allow the original home to enter the 21st century without overwhelming its original character. The resulting renovation is a poignant reflection of how rejuvenation and preservation can coincide.