Muted and Considered – Cunningham Street Residence by Studiofour

Continuing an established lineage, Cunningham Street Residence sees the opening up of an existing home and the connection to a modern sensibility through a contemporary lens. Originally designed in the 1970s by Wayne Gillespie as his own home, Studiofour took the role of responding to the existing heritage elements as a guide, weaving a muted and considered freshness into the spaces.

Nestled into the established charming streets of Melbourne’s South Yarra, Cunningham Street’s architectural heritage is preserved, while embracing contemporary values. As the original architects’ own residence, and the first experiment within the residential arena with himself as the client, the home responds personally to his vision at the time. It also evidences the spatial thinking of how homes might evolve. Strengthening those connections and embedded principles, the current custodians wanted to continue the existing architectural story and interweave elements that allowed them to personalise the space and further connect with the natural. Studiofour overlays a contemporary crispness through careful insertions, respecting the original volumes and proportions, while channelling a deep-seated connection to the surrounds and invaluable green space.

As the original architects’ own residence, and the first experiment within the residential arena with himself as the client, the home responds personally to his vision at the time.

On its tight allotment, the revisions to Cunningham Street Residence, built by UWood Builders, unfold as considered supplements, rather than a reworking. The original planning and proportions continued to be relevant to how space is occupied now. However, the home was in need of a layering of materials that enriched and gave depth to the home as a place to live, nurture and entertain. Strengthening the original vision, the home celebrates an open flowing modernist style, where visual connections bind key functions, without the need for walls and dividing features.

Within the solid outer walls of the home, the interior sees the introduction of finishes and custom joinery that conceal amenity and allow the spaces to remain open and connected. The same originally intended holistic vision is continued throughout and sees furniture, lighting and artwork brought in that reflect the new owners, while still not overwhelming the spaces. The relocation of the existing hidden kitchen to the centre and rear of the home embraces the preparation and sharing space as the heart of the home. The joinery is given particular detail to ensure its inclusion feels deliberate and as the intentional hand-crafted element that it is.

Strengthening the original vision, the home celebrates an open flowing modernist style, where visual connections bind key functions without the need for walls and dividing features.

Cunningham Street Residence connects beautifully to its past and its site with a considered lightness. Studiofour has softened existing contrasts through a layered and textural approach, gently rejuvenating the home for years to come.