Grandeur and Restraint – Albert Park Residence by Golden

Reinvigorating a stately Victorian-era terrace home to inject the personal character of its owners, Golden combines a masculine boldness together with a celebration of the period’s filagree detailing to propose a home of restraint and grandeur.

Nestled into Melbourne’s inner south, Albert Park Residence is an important contributor to the preservation of the area’s heritage and past. As a heritage-listed home, the veil of constraint under which the new works could be undertaken provided multiple expected challenges but were also integral to design approach. The result is a celebrated story of history, embracing its highly detailed and crafted Victorian past, that captures the current owner’s character and an enduring spirit. The injection of a countering balance of masculine and bold gestures throughout,offers a sense of equilibrium. Golden brings a measured rigor and refinement to their insertions and their approach, conjuring a home of classical consideration.

Nestled into Melbourne’s inner south, Albert Park Residence is an important contributor to the preservation of the area’s heritage and past.

Built by Fido Projects, with joinery by Orana, Albert Park Residence is the latest rendition of the home’s 125-year history. Working in adherence to a detailed heritage impact statement, the restoration and preservation of the original marble fireplaces, timberwork, ceiling roses and detailed cornices was paramount. Countering the detailed filigree of the era’s ornateness to ensure the result was a home relevant to contemporary living, the approach was one of balance. The insertion of a masculine sensibility can be seen throughout, dialled up and diluted accordingly.

At the heart of the home is an open and central kitchen and living space, anchoring and urging guests through. A palette of dark timber veneer is contrasted against the white plastered walls and grey natural stone. Warming timber and leathered granite come together with refined metal detailing and hardware. While the foundations of the home are pared back and retrained, the effort acts as a muting gesture against the original detailing and inserted furniture, artwork and objects – allowing each to be highlighted. Matching the original proportions and internal volumes, the insertions are equal in scale and boldness. The archways, skirt moulding and architraves all remain and have been restored, and together with an understated, classical approach to lighting there is an ageless sentiment to the home as a comprising whole.

As a heritage-listed home, the veil of constraint under which the new works could be undertaken provided multiple expected challenges but were also integral to design approach.

Albert Park Residence beautifully comes together through a weighted balance. Golden has carefully held back and conversely forged forth with measured zest to create a heritage home imbedded with a contemporary and enduring relevance.

The result is a celebrated story of history, embracing its highly detailed and crafted Victorian past, that captures the current owner’s character and an enduring spirit.

The injection of a countering balance of masculine and bold gestures throughout,offers a sense of equilibrium. Golden brings a measured rigor and refinement to their insertions and their approach, conjuring a home of classical consideration.