Careful Refinement – Eastham Street by MUIR Architecture

With considered understanding and appreciation, Eastham Street examines the role of renovation and intervention as both a public and private offering. MUIR Architecture focuses on re-crafting a contemporary iteration of the structure’s former self to actively engage with the natural elements.

Originally built in the early 1900s as part of Melbourne’s first suburbs, Eastham Street sits in the heritage-rich Fitzroy North as a capture of its past. The renovation of the family home sees the formation of new external spaces to bring natural light and a connection to the landscape deeper within the home. MUIR Architecture retains the essence of the original structure in crafting its next chapter, considering the outer influences of the residence to form the contemporary reinvigoration.

MUIR Architecture retains the essence of the original structure in crafting its next chapter, considering the outer influences of the residence to form the contemporary reinvigoration.

Located on a corner allotment, Eastham Street is enlivened with the cultivation of garden spaces and a turned focus to the natural elements. A new internal courtyard sees a trellis allow plantings to grow and shape to complement the exterior. Moreover, the addition of a roof deck above the new garage structure allows for further garden spaces, seeing the elevation afford residents an alternate vantage point whilst also increasing privacy and a retreat-like experience.

The interplay between public and private spaces forms an important part of the home’s story. The resulting residence is a balance of the value the building’s heritage status brings to the surrounding area against the demands of a private family home. The delicate nature of its crafted and handmade origins is retained in tandem with the contemporary industrial approach portrayed through an introduced materiality of stone and concrete. The inclusion of a lighter palette in the new insertions invites a dynamic contrast between the crisp modernity and the warmth of age.

The inclusion of a lighter palette in the new insertions invites a dynamic contrast between the crisp modernity and the warmth of age.

Eastham Street celebrates its past and heritage status by respecting the home’s original façade. MUIR Architecture brings a conscientious approach in forming the new renovations, retaining the extents of the original whilst adding increased function, light and ventilation to the existing home.