House of Fortune by Dean Dyson Architects

In the heart of Collingwood, Dean Dyson Architects has breathed new life into a Victorian terrace. House of Fortune bridges eras, weaving cherished memories and contemporary living into a tapestry of design honouring both personal history and architectural legacy.

Inspired by Collingwood’s industrial past and the clients’ shared childhood memories of neighbourly engagement, House of Fortune is full of personal meaning. Responding to the immediate and wider locale, the design leans into the deeply rooted industrial past of the suburb, carefully preserving the Victorian terrace facade and restoring features such as adding new tiles to the verandah that mimic those likely to have been originally present.

Interiors strike a delicate balance between historical and contemporary, none sitting too far into either category and blended with skill to create layered stories within the residence.

The rear extension conveys an unwavering approach to an overarching design narrative of cohesion and contrast. The addition shares the original structure’s colour palette to enhance the residence’s silhouette without overshadowing or posturing. The street-facing portion of the new works is encased in perforated steel screens, a deliberate nod to the manufacturing legacy of the area, creating a dialogue between new design and historical context.

Given the limited size of the site, each space is designed for dual functionality wherever possible. An entry parlour transforms into a guest bedroom with the simple addition of a curtain, while French doors in the open-plan living area create a seamless connection to the garden, expanding the perception of space. Transforming the previously dark, poorly ventilated space into a bright, airy home, programmatic changes and inclusions of a central courtyard have resulted in a three-bedroom family home in which spaces are designed to foster interaction and togetherness.

The street-facing portion of the new works is encased in perforated steel screens, a deliberate nod to the manufacturing legacy of the area, creating a dialogue between new design and historical context.

Deliberately selected to be hardwearing and enduring, external materials have been scrutinised to provide whole-of-life performance, allowing the family to take stewardship of the home far into the future. Interiors strike a delicate balance between historical and contemporary, none sitting too far into either category and blended with skill to create layered stories within the residence. Vintage furnishings allow for seamless transition between eras, while rich oak herringbone flooring, tactile rusted steel cabinetry details and stormy marble top benches create a sophisticated palette that honours the history while creating a robust backdrop for evolving family life.

In House of Fortune, Dean Dyson Architects has masterfully woven together threads of memory, context and modern living to create a space where new memories can flourish, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.

Architecture by Dean Dyson Architects. Build by Cavalli Builders. Landscape design by Moorilla Studio Landscape Architect.