Fitzroy North House by Pop Architecture

Pop Architecture challenges traditional heritage narratives in their Fitzroy North House by embracing the broader histories embedded in the site. Sustainability underpins every decision, ensuring the house not only respects its past but also looks towards a resilient future.

Situated on unceded Aboriginal land, the design reconciles its Victorian-era origins with contemporary needs through thoughtful materiality and spatial planning. Weaving together narratives of history, postwar migration and the natural ecology of the site, the design reflects a nuanced understanding of place. Fitzroy North House exemplifies an approach that prioritises connection between old and new, indoors and outdoors, and people and place.

A new side entrance leads to a central Genkan-inspired space, minimising circulation while maximising adaptability.

The spatial arrangement redefines how heritage homes can function in contemporary contexts. A new side entrance leads to a central Genkan-inspired space, minimising circulation while maximising adaptability. This clever planning allows private areas to remain undisturbed, while living spaces open generously onto the backyard. By splitting the program into three distinct volumes – the original house, an extension and a retreat – the design invites light and landscape into every corner of the home. The lush garden becomes an integral part of daily life, blurring boundaries between built form and nature. The design also critiques conventional terrace typologies by prioritising landscape integration over density. The roof form shields views of neighbouring structures, creating a sense of privacy without isolation.

The extension to the existing weatherboard is both subtle and transformative, utilising materials that speak to the layered history of the site. Externally, Zincalume corrugated steel roofs float above modest bagged brick walls and unpainted timber windows, creating a dialogue between industrial robustness and natural warmth. Internally, soft off-whites, muted greens and timber tones evoke the hues of a gum tree, a nod to the native flora surrounding the home. Decorative elements including terrazzo feature in the bathrooms and an abstract gate design references postwar migration stories, adding layers of meaning to the aesthetic.

Weaving together narratives of history, postwar migration and the natural ecology of the site, the design reflects a nuanced understanding of place.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Fitzroy North House. Recycled bricks and floorboards feature prominently, while carefully positioned windows optimise ventilation and natural light. The modest and highly considered footprint reduces impact without compromising liveability. These strategies ensure energy efficiency while fostering a deep connection to the outdoors.

Fitzroy North House by Pop Architecture is more than an architectural intervention; it is an exploration of how residences can respond meaningfully to the site, creating an enduring dialogue between architecture, history and sustainability.

Architecture by Pop Architecture. Build by MRU Construction. Landscape design by Sarah Perry Garden Design. Engineering by E2E Design Group.