PROJECT FEATURE ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN FEATURES

An Urban Oasis – Highbury Grove by RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN

Words by Sophie Sisko

Photography by Tom Blachford

Masters of a monochromatic palette, Ritz&Ghougassian delivers refined opulence in their residential project, Highbury Grove. Where rigid structure meets moments of soft vulnerability, this heritage revival takes on its modern form as a fortress surrounding an urban oasis.

Highbury Grove is a particularly personal project for the firm, as it was designed RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN co-director Gilad Ritz and his wife to live in. The opportunity to write one’s own brief from the architecture all the way through to the interiors is catalyst for truly expressive and unrestrained exploration of design. Gilad describes how “it was our first project as a studio working on both the interiors and architecture, something we love to do. This gave us the opportunity to design and experiment.”

Inward reflection is inevitable with this streamlined and ordered design approach.

The existing Federation-style home is set in a quiet residential street of Prahran. From the curb, the property maintains the humble nature of a single-fronted cottage with the appeal of a corner block where a narrow public laneway borders the northern side of the site. Highbury Grove intersects directly with High Street, which is a popular hub for shopping and dining. Being located in this central destination means the opportunity to find solace within the home was essential for relaxation and wellbeing, creating the perfect balance between inner-city bustle and domestic calm.

(Left)The existing Federation home gives very little indication of the modern dwelling behind. (Right) Clerestory windows above the kitchen joinery absorb all the natural northern light into the home.

Entry through the front door of the original house passes through a deliberately narrowed corridor that enhances the experience of expanse when stepping into the new extension. Two bedrooms off the hallway that occupy the footprint of the existing home were brought back to life with new spotted gum floorboards and a restoration of the original fireplaces. This transition from old to new is defined by an ornate arched architrave over the threshold that is typical of the home’s heritage.

A glimpse of the connection between old and new.

The plan is dedicated to its northward orientation which captures unobstructed light from the laneway hugging the boundary of the property. Walls are arranged perpendicular to the length of the site, then divided into north-facing zones. Two tranquil courtyards of varying sizes inject native greenery, air, and light into the angular interior spaces, in a soothing connection between outdoors and in. A sense of privacy and refuge is instilled by the enclosed environment that the perimeter walls provide. The journey from the outer neighbourhood into the historic home, and finally to the inner sanctuary of the extension is an unpeeling of complexities that can be let go in the refuge of home life. Inward reflection is inevitable with this streamlined and ordered design approach.

When asked what drives the material aesthetic at RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN, Gilad explains, “Materiality plays a big part in our studio. We look for a reduced palette and favour materials that exhibit a textured, natural or factory finish. We tend to steer away from applied finishes.” Layering of natural textures from the spotted gum joinery and marbled stone are accentuated by the flood of natural light that fills the interior. A burnished concrete slab grounds the home with solidarity to match the strength of the horizontal grid blockwork that wraps the majority of vertical surfaces. Softer moments are created through textiles, with tousled bedding, sheer curtains rippling gently in the breeze and the loose knotting of natural timber grain introducing a delicate tactility. There is an engaging juxtaposition of soft to hard that evokes a sense of yin and yang.

The internal courtyard is planted with Australian native ferns that provide a soft, organic refuge in the centre of the home.

The master bedroom at the far end of the block is the final destination of solitude and relaxation. With the curtains open, it can be easily sighted through the central courtyard and remains interactive with the rest of the home. Alternatively, when curtains are drawn, the access is guided by a walkway along full-height timber joinery mirroring that of the kitchen. Finishes are a continuation from the rest of the home, implying a time of outer stimulation is giving way to time of introspection and peace.

Highbury Grove is a particularly personal project for the firm, as it was designed RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN co-director Gilad Ritz and his wife to live in.

The exquisite serenity achieved in such an elegant space is truly an act of restraint. Each moment is allowed to be quietly appreciated without competing for attention amongst other design details. It is a place where opposites meet together in harmony. An uncluttered design results in an uncluttered mind, and a home where occupants can truly unwind.