James Street by Taylor and Hinds Architects

Situated on the urban fringe of Launceston’s historic streetscapes, James Street by Taylor and Hinds Architects embodies a blend of heritage elements and modern architectural features.

James Street is a thoughtfully designed brick villa that adapts to its compact, shadowed site. The design respects the surrounding context while establishing a strong sense of place. It responds to both the spatial constraints and environmental conditions of the site, unfolding a narrative of minimalist, scaled living. Despite the challenge of a sloping site and the presence of colonial-era homes on all sides, the villa manages to accommodate a stunning, century-old walnut tree. The constraints shape the building’s outer edges and influence its design, featuring clear, framed openings that connect the interior with the surroundings and views beyond. The dwelling celebrates the transition from public to private spaces, and the inclusion of a walled garden enhances the feeling of seclusion once inside.

The design respects the surrounding context while establishing a strong sense of place.

James Street integrates seamlessly with the street through strategically placed openings on the exterior. Designed for a psychologist and a palliative doctor, the home needed to be a sanctuary – one that minimises the need for ongoing maintenance or adjustments to environmental changes. Instead, it functions as a retreat, offering a sense of protection and refuge. The use of brick emphasises a deliberate separation from the environment while anchoring the residence. Maximising natural light was also key to having a low-maintenance interior, with glazing that allows sunlight to gently filter in.

The spatial design of the home features a carefully orchestrated sequence, where each courtyard serves as more than a transitional space, becoming central to daily life. Elevated brick terraces and gardens are placed to enhance outward views and promote natural ventilation. Each level rises incrementally, seamlessly folding into the next and creating a heightened sense of scale that draws the eye upward. Despite its traditional villa footprint, the interplay of form and height gives the residence a more expansive feel than its exterior might suggest. The use of dark materials and a moody palette deepens the immersion, echoing the tones of the brickwork and allowing light to interact with different textures, casting shadows and enriching the overall experience.

Despite its traditional villa footprint, the interplay of form and height gives the residence a more expansive feel than its exterior might suggest.

James Street firmly anchors itself in the tradition of Victorian brick architecture, with material choices and masonry that honour this classic style. However, it is the crisp and linear approach of Taylor and Hinds Architects that refines and elevates the design, giving the form a fresh and sophisticated edge.

Architecture and interior design by Taylor and Hinds Architects. Build by Anstie Constructions. Landscape design by Florian Wild.