Preservation of Refinement – RE Residence by Inglis Architects

Imbued with both traditional and contemporary elements, RE Residence is the unification of two eras – the existing restored with openness and connectivity in mind. Through an integration of heightened craft, Inglis Architects celebrates the residence’s heritage features whilst thoughtfully introducing new details within a rear extension. The result is an inviting, light-filled dwelling that provides moments of quiet retreat for the growing family within.

An Edwardian home, RE Residence is located within Armadale, in Melbourne’s southeast, and contributes to the rich architectural history of the area. Opting to ground the residence across one level, the rear extension emerges as a deliberate and carefully positioned gesture. With a similar detailed and handmade nature as the original structure, heritage elements inform the contemporary approach. As such, the bold transformation within the extension breathes new life into the experience of the home whilst increasing the overall footprint. Inglis Architects ensures a once outdated space becomes an inviting, luminous sanctuary, disconnected from the surrounds yet connected across indoor-outdoor thresholds, with natural light flowing through the main living and dining areas.

Inglis Architects ensures a once outdated space becomes an inviting, luminous sanctuary, disconnected from the surrounds yet connected across indoor-outdoor thresholds, with natural light flowing through the main living and dining areas.

The residence responds to the aspirations of its occupants, such as the need for dynamic and flexible arrangements within as well as outward connections to the landscape. Creating a calm and reclusive series of spaces providing a sense of warmth, texture and reminders of the natural surrounds was key. Encased in full-height glazing, framed views to the outdoors anchor the family’s daily activities in place. Furthermore, the heart of the home is intentionally positioned in the north-facing rear, where the kitchen, dining and living areas combine to allow opportunities for gathering and entertaining.

Blurring the line between thresholds, the terrace becomes an extension of the living space, embraced by a rear façade and adorned in a thoughtful combination of off-form concrete and handcrafted Spanish bricks. The incoming light, together with a soft palette, feels both delicate and tangible as it moves through this area throughout the day. Through the combination of overhead skylights and increased permeability of the home’s exterior, the residence celebrates the existing elements and ensures the extension feels more like an evolution than a modern add-on. Combining terrazzo, timber and specialised wall finishes, the subtlety of each surface adds to the overall sense of retreat.

The residence responds to the aspirations of its occupants, such as the need for dynamic and flexible arrangements within as well as outward connections to the landscape.

As its own sanctuary, RE Residence seamlessly combines contemporary liveability with a traditional outer shell. In elevating moments of connectivity across indoor-outdoor thresholds, there is a celebration of transformation that Inglis Architects has instilled in the family home that will endure for years to come.