Vibrant Refuge – Frangipani House by Architects Ink

Harnessing the thoughtful qualities of its location, Frangipani House is a dwelling grounded in place with the ability to evolve as life shifts and changes. Architects Ink reimagines the traditional home in a more contemporary context, providing moments of refuge with spaces that reflect the vibrant lives of its occupants.

As the first official suburb of Adelaide, North Adelaide has an elevation that affords the home connections to both urban and natural outlooks. Frangipani House takes the place of an existing 1960s residence to become a confident form of midcentury proportions. Expressed through a linear arrangement, the volume of the home is minimised by pushing and pulling forms, with the upper floor cantilevering out towards the streetscape to connect with the surrounds. Further to this, Architects Ink ensures clear sightlines to the adjacent park, Nantu Wama, whilst maintaining moments of privacy within.

Expressed through a linear arrangement, the volume of the home is minimised by pushing and pulling forms, with the upper floor cantilevering out towards the streetscape to connect with the surrounds.

Whilst much of the original residence was demolished, the lower-rear floor was retained and repurposed as a base for the new residence. Surrounded by historic buildings, from the Victorian era and through the Georgian, Federation and Edwardian eras, the area is known for retaining its heritage. Among these older-style dwellings, there is also an array of modernist offerings, reflecting the time that land was made available for development. In keeping with tradition to continue the home’s narrative, the approach adopts principles from the midcentury style and overlays it with a contemporary understanding of natural light and renewable energy.

Intended as a forever home for the owners, setting up their future was key. Considering the multiple floors across the site and the maintenance required, thoughtful elements within and the absence of ornate detailing ensures a calmness is created throughout. Architects Ink worked with the owners to ensure the interiors come together as an extension of the architecture. A palette of restrained finishes also embeds the dwelling with a familiar warmth throughout.

In keeping with tradition to continue the home’s narrative, the approach adopts principles from the midcentury style and overlays it with a contemporary understanding of natural light and renewable energy.

Frangipani House is an expression of contrast that celebrates both past and present. Embracing both the heritage and new elements of the residence, Architects Ink proposes the form as a welcoming offering to the surrounds through the absence of a front fence, which extends the home to become part of a larger context.