Calm and Sophisticated – Queens Parade by Adam Kane Architects
Expertly reimagining a bygone Victorian terrace to reclaim its former glory, Adam Kane Architects recasts a classic home into a sophisticated, contemporary inner-city dwelling. Through maximising both natural light and connection to the garden, Queens Parade reveals how combining biophilic elements with a refined approach to materiality can transform a space.
Located along one of Melbourne’s beautiful heritage row streets in Fitzroy, Queens Parade is set behind a swathe of greenery on a quiet street, offering an eloquent response to the tranquillity of the nearby Edinburgh Gardens. The project was an inspired renovation for a young professional couple – the original house having been burnt down years ago and now re-emerging in a new era as an almost entirely new home. Only the original heritage façade remains, which juxtaposes beautifully with the contemporary additions.
Set on a narrow 196-square-metre site, Queens Parade features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a flexible retreat opening to a treetops terrace, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a spacious living and dining room that flows to a courtyard. As such, there is a strong connection to the surrounding greenery and garden. To enhance a feeling of space and tranquillity, Adam Kane Architects imbued the home with a long garden down the side of the living, dining and kitchen, which was fitted with operable glazed elements. In addition, the ensuite shower also has a private, verdant garden reminiscent of showering at a private villa whilst on holiday.
Adam Kane Architects plays with light in intriguing and intelligent ways throughout the home’s design, enriching inhabitants with an appreciation of light and energy. The dark veneer entry provided a sense of journey – slowly opening up to the light-filled living as one passes through – imbuing a sophisticated feel whilst also providing an opportunity for a statement light-filled stair void.
A calm response to the bustling city beyond, Queens Parade is an elegant home that captivates inhabitants in a journey of stillness and calm.
A restrained approach to materiality results in the home feeling luxurious, refined and highly sophisticated. Minimalist, sleek interiors with clean edges and sharp lines are dominated by a muted colour palette of whites, greys and charcoals. Floors are timber and polished concrete, whilst subtle furnishings are used throughout so as not to take away from the subtlety of the interior palette.
A calm response to the bustling city beyond, Queens Parade is an elegant home that captivates inhabitants in a journey of stillness and calm. Adam Kane Architects perfectly encapsulates the power of doing less when it comes to renovation, resulting in a bold and contemplative effect.
