A Contemporary Reinvention – Glenwood Unit by Studio Martin

Overhauling an existing unit, Glenwood Unit sees the complete renovation of a previous dwelling, injecting elements that resonate with the client. Studio Martin engages in an exploration of texture, form and light to create key connections between the inside and out and allow an ease of flow between the two.

Located in coastal Beaumaris, the home is the renovation and reinvigoration of an existing unit into a contemporary home. Beaumaris Project is one of three connected units within the one site and is home to a couple who intend to make the space their forever home, embracing the coastal siting. Key to the new works is the creation of connections to the outdoors and ensuring a free-flowing movement between the two, while also encouraging as much natural light inward as possible. The balanced use of introduced elements and retaining the existing allowed for a retention of the previous shell and structural integrity, while still injecting a new sense of self. Studio Martin combines a restrained approach with one intended to endure, proposing elements clean of line and void of fuss.

The balanced use of introduced elements and retaining the existing allowed for a retention of the previous shell and structural integrity, while still injecting a new sense of self.

Built by Bluline Projects, Glenwood Unit proposes a template for a known and familiar suburban renovation setting. The inherited brick walls and absence of considered detail in many such previously built suburban properties do not inspire or connect with a contemporary modern life, nor do they speak to the craft of earlier heritage homes. It is in this space of an absence of personality that a foundation from which to form a more considered direction can be found. Inspired by the principles underpinning Hamptons-style homes, the clients resonated with spaces that have a casual nature, are connected to their outdoors, and in which light is celebrated. Taking inspiration from the connection the clients had to this style, Studio Martin reinterpreted an alternate exploration of texture and materiality to bring together key colours and tones.

Working within the constraints of the building and uncovering the existing hardwood timber flooring, the stage was set for the layering of richness to take hold over the spaces. The use of natural stone, lining boards, timber and tiles all add textural variation as well as fitting within the one family of hues, creating a calming and deliberately connected series of spaces. Furniture, artwork and decorative lighting then all add depth and moments of interest throughout, allowing an expression of personality of its owners at the same time.

Inspired by the principles underpinning the Hampton style homes, the clients resonated with spaces that have a casual nature to them, connected to their outdoors, and where light is celebrated throughout.

The project is the considered repurposing of the existing and familiar suburban condition. Studio Martin create a relevant and contemporary revival of a tired unit, ensuring a contented and elegant for its occupants.

Studio Martin create a relevant and contemporary revival of a tired unit, ensuring a contented and elongated life for its occupants.

Working within the existing constraints and uncovering the existing hardwood timber flooring, the stage was set for the layering of richness to take hold over the spaces.