Past Influence – Lindsay by Megowan Architectural
Extending outward, Lindsay sees the use of sensitivity and existing stylistic cues to bind the home to its site. Megowan Architectural utilises materiality to inform the new insertions, maintaining relevance and reflecting the owner’s personality.
Located to the south-west of Melbourne, Lindsay sits within McKinnon and combines an art deco aesthetic with a more modern approach. Needing to connect the various levels already in place, by extending the original form into the rear of the house, the old and new coalesce with a similar and binding materiality. Inspired by the warmth of the encasing red brick exterior, the new elements combine subtle curves with geometric expression. Megowan Architectural focuses on creating a lightness throughout the home, incorporating open spaces that bring the outside in and enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
Situated on a slight slope, a continuous floor plan navigates the changing terrain whilst adding considerable space to the family home in the process. Easing the access between, large openings pull back and encourage interaction as the skylights above bring natural light in from all directions. Whilst the new shared and connected living areas amplify natural movement within the residence, the original rooms serve as the secluded retreat areas. Sinking the lounge space takes advantage of the changing landscape underneath whilst creating a separate internal area without the need for an additional wall.
Reinterpreting the original tones of the residence, saturated red and cardinal colours bring a certain dramatic flair to the house. Bringing elements from the outside in further ties the experience of the home to its sense of place and history whilst also giving it its own character. Additional joinery, metalwork and red-veined marble add an element of the unexpected, whilst a more muted use of light oak in the flooring, veneer and exposed rafters creates a dynamic balance and anchors the spaces. The interweaving of the existing brick and textural elements with newer interpretations of their application then see the old and new completely blend together.
Drawing on a combination of influences, Lindsay is an example of integrating the warmth of previously handcrafted elements with their contemporary iterations. By amplifying the historical and rich layers of the comprising elements, Megowan Architectural activates a legacy in place that allows the current owners to make their own mark.
