Richly Layered – Fitzroy House by MAArchitects

Behind the preserved frontages of two adjoining heritage terraces, Fitzroy House emerges as a generous and openly connected family home – a sanctuary for its owners from the outside world. MAArchitects plays with the differing levels to create meaningful transitions between inside and out, celebrating the coming together of old and new.

Originally built in the late 1800s, the red brick homes of the street sit alongside one another as an important reminder that Fitzroy was one of the earlier suburbs of Melbourne. The site’s proximity to the CBD and eclectic energy makes the area an enviable location, where the character and charm of the original heritage homes remain in place through dedicated preservation. The area has also remained medium densified, despite the pressures to increase. Adding to this established narrative, the original façades and front rooms of Fitzroy House remain in place and are restored, seeing two terraces join to form the one dwelling. Whilst, from approach, the terrace typology remains seemingly in place, MAArchitects has crafted a unique interior that optimises the overall envelope of the home.

Opting to keep and restore the original façade and front rooms, the addition sits behind and becomes an expression of contemporary family life – one of openness and togetherness.

Within the newly formed home, levels and functionality play an important role in overlaying a hierarchy and the allocation of certain zones. The open living and gathering spaces, for instance, sit comfortably between both the children and adult spaces, as a natural buffering that still allows connection. Home to a growing family of five, spaces needed to facilitate the changing needs of each resident over time, anticipating the coming chapters; embedding a level of flexibility and separation into the plan was an integral mechanism to ensure a continued relevance of the structure. By concentrating on materiality and a palette of natural timbers and muted greys, the interior complements the rich red and dark framed windows and openings of the exterior.

Opting to keep and restore the original façade and front rooms, the addition sits behind and becomes an expression of contemporary family life – one of openness and togetherness. Connections to the landscape as a private outdoor space for the home allows for both movement and views outward. Unlike the original front, the rear is a more modern expression of materiality and is formed from an understanding of solar principles. Large and moveable mesh screens animate the rear façade, permitting a controlled privacy, as well as an ability to direct sunlight and control heat gains throughout the year.

By concentrating on materiality and a palette of natural timbers and muted greys, the interior complements the rich red and dark framed windows and openings of the exterior.

As a continuation of legacy from the home’s heritage past, Fitzroy House layers in a new and refreshing contemporary crispness. MAArchitects focuses on a continued longevity, embedding a series of enduring principles into the expanded volumes and encouraging continued occupation for many years to come.