Softly Sculpted – Northcote Hacienda by Hindley & Co

Emerging with a new identity, Northcote Hacienda is reinvigorated with a soft and rounded approach to its form. Hindley & Co draws from the original rhythmic and controlled nature of the existing typologies in place to propose a transformation that redefines the fusing of contemporary elements with a heritage context.

Sitting amid a rich collection of existing heritage homes from varying periods, the double-fronted Victorian-era residence called for a contemporary refreshing to both align with its current owners and engage the surrounds. Taking key musings from the highly detailed and crafted past of the house, the new iteration is an elevated version of the original residence. Paramount to the home’s atmosphere was ensuring it felt warm and not overwhelming due to its size. Hindley & Co carefully integrated layers of tones, colours and textures to break down the overall volumes and create moments that encourage interaction.

Taking key musings from the highly detailed and crafted past of the house, the new iteration is an elevated version of the original residence.

Earth tones inspire the overall palette, with timber and terracotta sitting as a balance to the generous use of white. As seen in many terrace homes, the length and narrowness of the floor plan creates a somewhat restrictive configuration of spaces, yet the team reworked the flow of movement within the original proportions. Further to this, rounded windows, openings and skylights introduce more natural light and arched doorways soften the transitions between internal rooms and inside and out.

A fifteen-metre-long corridor space acts like the home’s spine, which connects the original front rooms to the modern additions. The new wing integrates an organic, curved motion into the spaces to facilitate a journey of discovery. Crafted from robust concrete blocks, this wing showcases sinuous walls and openings that are reminiscent of many Mediterranean-style villas found in the heart of Barcelona. A feeling of being transported takes over and creates the overall tone for the home as being a place of escape and disconnect, with the recurrent curves and repeated arched portals and windows communicating a clear design intent. Reducing the impact of the otherwise imposing three levels is achieved through this geometric composition, which allows the ornate façade to articulate its Victorian-era filigree.

A feeling of being transported takes over and creates the overall tone for the home as being a place of escape and disconnect, with the recurrent curves and repeated arched portals and windows communicating a clear design intent.

A calm and minimal palette is utilised throughout Northcote Hacienda to ensure the home feels like a natural evolution from its past configuration. It is through subtleties that Hindley & Co is able to elevate moments of interaction yet retain an overall tranquillity.