Missy Higgins House by Ben Bindon Architecture

Ben Bindon Architecture’s transformation of Missy Higgins House breathes new life into a 1970s Alistair Knox masterpiece. With an unrelenting respect for its origins, this renovation enhances Knox’s work rather than applying contemporary ideals that compete with the old.

What began as a modest bathroom upgrade slowly evolved into a comprehensive restoration of the home. “Missy, the third owner of the house, wanted to retain the humble charm that Knox had so masterfully honed,” says Ben Bindon, founder of his eponymous architecture studio. However, the aging materials required stripping the original joinery, setting the stage for a project that expanded to address the home’s broader needs.

Knox’s most compelling design feature in this home is how daylight glides over the warm, tactile, timber-lined walls and how the home’s character changes with the day’s mood.

One of the most pressing challenges involved the original in-slab hydronic heating, which had deteriorated over time. Ben proposed an above-slab system paired with raised flooring, creating a more efficient solution. This intervention required the removal of the existing brown tiles and allowed for subtle adjustments, such as retrofitting the original timber-framed windows with double glazing. These careful updates improved thermal efficiency while preserving the integrity of the home’s design.

The spatial organisation, with staggered split levels dividing private and communal areas, provided opportunities to enhance flow and connection. High-level windows and skylights introduced more natural light into the home, creating a dynamic interplay of shadow and texture across its material palette. However, Knox’s design remains central to the experience of the home. “Knox’s most compelling design feature in this home is how daylight glides over the warm, tactile, timber-lined walls and how the home’s character changes with the day’s mood,” notes Ben.

Materiality played a defining role throughout the project. Blackbutt timber, reclaimed from a decommissioned bridge, was used for banquette seating and stair treads, celebrating the imperfections of the aged wood.

Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining areas opened up the spaces, fostering better social interaction. “Rather than simply cutting an opening, we replaced the wall with a reclaimed Oregon beam,” explains Ben. “This not only amplified Knox’s exposed beams but also drew greater attention to the ceiling’s rhythm and scale.”

Materiality played a defining role throughout the project. Blackbutt timber, reclaimed from a decommissioned bridge, was used for banquette seating and stair treads, celebrating the imperfections of the aged wood. Timber dowels were used to plug original bolt holes, transforming functional elements into subtle decorative details. Light-toned porcelain benchtops from Signorino added brightness to the interiors, reflecting natural light to soften the predominantly timber palette.

Respect for the home’s heritage remained paramount throughout the process. A particularly meaningful moment came when Missy invited the original owner – who had commissioned Alistair Knox to design the house – to view the completed renovation. “He later wrote me a letter to congratulate me on the design and that he imagined Alistair Knox would have appreciated the sensitivity of the alterations,” shares Ben.

Missy Higgins House now stands as a timeless example of how thoughtful design can bridge the past and present. Its respectful interventions, celebration of Alistair Knox’s enduring legacy in Australian architecture, and deep connection to its surroundings ensure its place as a cherished mid-century gem.

Architecture (renovation) and interior design by  Ben Bindon Architecture. Original architecture and build by Alistair Knox. Build (renovation) by Martin Brothers Building. Artwork by Katie Stackhouse, Marina Breit and Jacqui Stockdale.