Randolph House by Studio RCA

Words by Cass Van Heer
Photography by Willem-dirk du Toit

While renovating Randolph House, a single-fronted Victorian worker’s cottage, Studio RCA drew on moments of the home’s past while carving out a functional extension for a growing family.

Worked with restraint in a suburb marked by its heritage value, Randolph House sits in Melbourne’s Hawthorn – its neighbours defined by the same 1880’s character. Doing away with the previous ad-hoc extensions and built detritus, Studio RCA retained the original residence and a parting wall. From here, light and space were the priority for the extension, which realises an ambition to maximise space on a compact site. Marked by lofty volumes, the extension reciprocates the older rooms by prioritising light and space, balancing compact pockets that enhance the liveability of the residence.

Marked by lofty volumes, the extension reciprocates the older rooms by prioritising light and space, balancing compact pockets that enhance the liveability of the residence.

The extension takes on the simple geometric form of the original workers’ cottage but increases the complexity of its programming. Built elements are designed to the perimeter, including an American oak storage unit that provides a backdrop to the dining table and a concrete plinth bordering the living space. Both offer a timeless addition and stage a textural base for the home as the family grows into the space.

A compact living and kitchen space that minimally intervenes with the open-plan arrangement replaces the multiple spaces a larger home offers. Bespoke joinery performs several functions, concealing utility and adding layers, texture and depth in a contemporary context. The kitchen, laundry and study pockets are easily activated and shut down with the residents’ daily movements; the new extension adopts a feeling of intimacy while remaining light-filled and generous in its shared setting. To the rear of the living room and adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling windows is a study nook, concealed behind perforated doors. At night, with the light on and doors closed, the lantern-style effect illuminates the living space. Further, counteracting the challenges faced while undertaking the ‘second-life’ renovation project, concrete and steel supports were integrated to allow for a future second level.

Bespoke joinery performs several functions, concealing utility and adding layers, texture and depth in a contemporary context.

Externally, the garden steps up to maximise the small area available, enabling a verdant backdrop for the interior and balancing the proportions of the architecture. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample light to the contemporary addition while steel blades installed to the exterior diffuse harsh solar gain. Dual in function, the blades also house a bench seat, enabling a view to the garden. Timber frames the view to the garden from the living room – so too does it frame the view from garden to the interior. The reciprocal outlook maintains a connection considered paramount for its owners – co-founder and architect at Studio RCA Tom Carroll and his partner.

While the extension has a clear delineation to the rear of the property, there is a glimpse from the street of how the old meets the new. With the intent of inviting light in, Studio RCA designed skylights, which double as an avenue to showcase the original masonry and bridge the contemporary addition. The aged exterior brickwork continues to the inside of the new, glazed entry and engages with the full form of the existing house.

Bringing together modern functionality with the historical elements, Randolph House perfectly transforms the workers’ cottage into a family home, allowing its residents to continue to enjoy the home as they enter their next chapter.

Architecture and interior design by Studio RCA. Landscape design by Edwina Rush Gardens. Artwork by Sophie Gannon Gallery.