Open Yet Robust – Farnham Street by Foomann

Extending from the existing solid and encasing home, a generous and robust volume allows Farnham Street to breathe and accommodate the happenings of everyday family life. Foomann combines an expressive and personal approach of its owners together with an outwardly open philosophy.

Located in the inner northwest of Melbourne, Farnham Street is the careful navigation of an existing residence into an open and connected series of spaces that accommodate modern family life. Opting to retain the existing home on site – a red brick home of unwavering proportions – the addition encourages a better considered binding between the built and the natural. Home to an illustrator, the coming together of the practical and the creative is felt throughout whilst also balancing the demands of family life. Drawing on the already established heavy materiality of the home, the new is conceived with a similar robustness, though through a more contemporary lens. Foomann focuses on creating an efficient and multi-purpose design that allows the interior to breathe.

Opting to retain the existing home on site – a red brick home of unwavering proportions – the addition encourages a better considered binding between the built and the natural.

Spread over two levels, the addition sits to the rear of the existing home, tucked away visually from the street. The form is deliberately recessive to ensure the streetscape rhythm is maintained and the existing heritage of the home is retained, adding much needed amenity to the rear to enhance the experience internally. Needing a central space to convene and gather, the lower combined living, dining and kitchen space optimises open living and breaks down the existing formality and separation of the home. Connecting outward was also integral, with views out prioritised and the inclusion of a high-level glazing insertion to bring indirect light further into the space.

The addition acts as an evolution of the existing, continuing the story of textural depth in the process. On the upper level, a study and guest space are added, allowing for additional volumetric space to be allocated to the living area below. The focus on the quality of the space is also felt throughout, enhanced through a shared openness and connection to the surrounding garden elements. Able to be opened to engage with the landscape, the lower level further extends out beyond the built edge to facilitate easy indoor-outdoor living. Timber and brick are used externally, with timber and a more muted palette brought internally to enhance the sense of scale and as a contrast to the darker tones of the enveloping fabric.

Drawing on the already established heavy materiality of the home, the new is conceived with a similar robustness, though through a more contemporary lens.

Farnham Street combines elements from the existing with an open connection to the present. By prioritising the quality of the spaces created, Foomann has crafted a home of lasting resonance that acts as an ideal capture of its current owners.