Connecting Inside and Out – Laura Street by Hearth Studio

As the initial stages to a larger overhaul renovation, Laura Street sees the public areas of its quaint Victorian workers’ cottage Brunswick transformed. Hearth Studio brings a fresh contemporary approach, forging a new sense of connection between inside and out.

Located in Melbourne’s north, Laura Street sits comfortably amongst its neighbouring Victorian-era workers’ cottages in Brunswick. These initial works are the first stages to a larger overhaul effort of the client’s home, set to continue periodically. Hearth Studio brings a fresh contemporary approach to these initial interventions. Through the use of combined natural light, select materiality and spatial planning, the resulting efforts in these public areas add a vital connection between the inside and out – uniting the home with its garden.

These initial stages involved the redesign of the kitchen, dining room, laundry and bathroom to the rear of the cottage. Similar to most, if not all, workers’ cottages of the period, over the years, previous owners had made their own ad-hoc additions to the rear, as a response to the lack of adequate internal space and also as a means to connect to the outdoors. The ensuing architectural vernacular of the ‘lean-to’ has become prevalent across many workers’ cottages throughout Australia, and especially so in Melbourne. Like many new contemporary works, the calling of this renovation was to remove these temporary and home-built structures in lieu of a more appropriate, open and connecting addition that allows the clients to connect to the garden through a more permanent and considered architectural addition.

In line with maintaining the original façade and formal layout of the original home, these additional spaces at the rear were chosen to be tackled first as a clear priority. The methodology, materiality and approach to space used in these main communal areas usually sets the precedent for the original elements of the home, being the place where people come together, these spaces act as the true reflection of the owner’s values. Here, Laura Street displays values that are grounded in connection, openness and a welcoming of natural light.

Hearth Studio’s utilisation of white tiles, warm textured timber, contemporary accents and terracotta grout hints to both an earthiness and a freshness, capturing the owner’s personality. The use of brass fixtures adds a sense of connection to the original home and history of craft. Hearth Studio brings an appropriate sensibility to these initial renovation works, opening up the rear of Laura Street to its welcoming and lush green backyard. A home now reconnected to its open and grounding landscape; the upcoming completion of the home will be one to watch.

Hearth Studio’s utilisation of white tiles, warm textured timber, contemporary accents and terracotta grout hints to both an earthiness and a freshness, capturing the owner’s personality.