Familial Ties – Frazer House by Studio P

Extending a legacy established by the current owner’s family in the 1950s, Studio P caries forward the midcentury principles of Frazer House into a more contemporary context. Acknowledging the residence’s richly storied past, the architect blends a revivalist approach with a series of considered gestures that pay homage to the home’s origins.

Located in Mosman, the heritage dwelling references a time of exploratory and experimental design, where new innovations opened doors to expansive spaces within the residence. Wanting to carry forward a piece of history that has been held by the same family since the 1950s, the architect understands Frazer House to be a deeply personal project as it is passed on to new owners. The openness and transparency between interior and exterior spaces is felt from the initial interactions with the building, with light and air flow between generous and connected volumes. In restoring the home, Studio P maintains key geometries and detailing, improving the endurance of existing elements that have worn with time.

The openness and transparency between interior and exterior spaces is felt from the initial interactions with the building, with light and air flow between generous and connected volumes.

Originally designed to withstand the knocks of time, this became the basis for the new architectural approach. Whilst ingrained with a bespoke sustainable spirit in the key building elements, the home is imbued with memory. Therefore, maintaining the existing connection with the natural surrounds and integrating new systems to enhance the comfort felt from within was imperative to the reworking.

Through following original modernist principles already in place, visual connections both inside and out help to maintain and redefine the home’s presence and connection to context. The architect pays homage to the abode’s history by preserving key features from its origins, such as collected furniture and lighting pieces, and by also maintaining the organic spatial layout. There is a seamless embracing of new and existing elements, with a focus placed on comfort and a sense of immersion felt within. Experiencing such a deep connection, the new owners reimagine and rebuild the home through a considered approach, where every introduced element, material selection and design decision have come from a place of admiration for the original.

There is a seamless embracing of new and existing elements, with a focus placed on comfort and a sense of immersion felt within.

Frazer House is built upon the significance of place and memory and symbolises how such a connection to home can leave a resounding effect on the people who once resided in them. Studio P ensures that the importance of those bonds is given a future through considered gestures and treatments.