Garden Lane Residence by Oliver Du Puy Architecture & Interiors

Garden Lane Residence showcases a seamless blend of historic elegance and modern functionality. Oliver Du Puy Architecture & Interiors has transformed this Victorian terrace into a light-filled, spacious family home.

Originally built in 1889 by the renowned Melbourne firm Reed, Henderson and Smart, the house has a rich history. It was initially constructed for the foreman of Mutual Store, Melbourne’s first department store, established in 1872. The stables and storage for the department store were located in a large warehouse complex to the rear of the property, now converted for residential use. This historical context provided a unique backdrop for the transformation, blending the home’s storied past with a contemporary design.

Inspired by the works of Kazuo Shinohara and Mark Rothko, the redesign emphasises symmetrical compositions and a subtle yet vibrant colour palette.

The residence, home to a family and their beloved dog, spans 220 square metres and features three bedrooms, three bathrooms and interconnected living spaces that exude warmth and tranquillity. Inspired by the works of Kazuo Shinohara and Mark Rothko, the redesign emphasises symmetrical compositions and a subtle yet vibrant colour palette.

Soft green-grey hues from British paint manufacturer Farrow & Ball feature throughout the home, reflecting the adjacent Royal Botanic Gardens. Timber ceiling battens, inspired by principal architect Oliver Du Puy’s time in Japan, add warmth. Carefully placed steel windows and doors frame garden views, filling the interior with natural light that shifts with the seasons.

Grand Victorian elements, such as cornices, ceiling roses and fireplaces, coexist with intimate refuges, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

Grand Victorian elements, such as cornices, ceiling roses and fireplaces, coexist with intimate refuges, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. The marble island in the kitchen serves as the heart of the home, drawing family members together much like an ancient hearth. The space also features expressed structural beams and high ceilings, achieving a powerful yet cosy atmosphere.

The primary bedroom, the client’s favourite room, faces east and offers a serene retreat. Morning sunlight streams in, casting a warm glow and transforming the verdant view with the seasons. The room’s large windows provide a private, tree-filled aspect, enhancing its calming, nourishing qualities. This room epitomises the home’s essence – a sanctuary from the outside world where tranquillity and vibrancy coexist.

The home’s interior is layered with architectural elements rather than excessive decoration, resulting in a warm yet uncluttered feel.

The home’s interior is layered with architectural elements rather than excessive decoration, resulting in a warm yet uncluttered feel. Large custom steel doors open up to an intimate garden landscape, enveloping the home with lush greenery. This seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces blurs the boundaries and enhances the sense of serenity.

Garden Lane Residence by Oliver Du Puy Architecture & Interiors elegantly combines heritage and contemporary design, creating a timeless, nurturing environment. It’s a place where the past and present collide, offering its inhabitants a haven of beauty and calm.

Architecture and interior design by Oliver Du Puy Architecture & Interiors. Build by Tenet Construction. Landscape design by Kate Seddon Landscape Design.