Blurred Cohesion – Gradient House by Powell & Glenn
Filled with embedded subtleties, Gradient House aims to create unnoticeable transitions between the various eras of the home whilst connecting outward. Powell & Glenn draws from a nostalgic connection between the owners and their country home in creating a sense of immersion within the generous grounds.
Set within the inner south of Melbourne, Gradient House combines a restoration of an existing historically rich home with a more openly connected contemporary form that takes full advantage of the large allotment. The central positioning of the structure on the site reminded the owners of their family home in regional Victoria, which they had a deep and fond connection to. This prompted them to bring elements from their past into the new, working with the interior design to bridge the stylistic eras. Powell & Glenn focuses on the charm and character of the original house as inspiration for the new addition, initiating a series of blurred transitions between the old and new.
Maintaining the home’s original floor plan, the new addition carries forward a similar regularity in planning and rhythm, ensuring the newer elements feel like an evolution of the existing form and style. As the home fully encompasses the site, the landscape plays a vital role in providing a series of destinations and outdoor rooms whilst also in being an animated backdrop to everyday happenings. Creating and emphasising views out into the landscape recreates a similar feeling as the regional home the owners were wanting to reimagine. Although, it is in the warmth that the true essence of the country home is brought forward.
A palette of deep and rich tones is used throughout, with the saturation of hues reflecting function. Within the newer elements, a more open approach is celebrated, with visually connected living, dining and kitchen spaces. A classical and enduring formality is also carried through to the contemporary elements, ensuring a transitionary feeling is created between the existing and the new instead of a stark contrast. By maintaining an intimacy defined in the original charm of the home, the expanded volume feels familiar, enriched and welcoming.
