River House by Fiona Lynch Office

Located in a riverside enclave of Melbourne, a 1930s Georgian revival residence has been transformed by Fiona Lynch Office into a vibrant, contemporary family home. The reimagined River House blends historical grandeur with modern living, creating a space that honours its past while embracing the future.

The restoration process began with a deep respect for the original architect, Marcus Martin, and his dedication to local craftsmanship. Fiona Lynch Office stripped back the layers of previous renovations to reveal the dwelling’s inherent beauty. Iconic decorative elements such as fireplace mantels, window architraves and corbels were thoughtfully preserved to maintain a connection to the past. Inside, structural changes were necessary to accommodate contemporary family life. Removing major walls on the ground floor created an expansive space, with casual dining extending from the kitchen and allowing the family to remain visually connected. Inspired by Mies van der Rohe and adorned with a brass canopy, a new pavilion houses the main living area, enhancing and fostering a connection to the verdant gardens.

Fiona Lynch Office stripped back the layers of previous renovations to reveal the dwelling’s inherent beauty.

Materiality was key to the design approach, with generous applications of stone adding depth and texture throughout. The kitchen features a striking island crafted from travertine and green marble, showcasing bold geometries and reverse half bullnose edging. This dramatic centrepiece is complemented by the practical stainless-steel cabinetry. Upstairs, the main ensuite is lined with luxurious stone, featuring a dual vanity crafted with an island detail and complemented by seafoam-hued quartzite. In other bathrooms, stone pairings evoke traditional Italian craftsmanship, each featuring repeated vanity details that unify the overall design. The staircase, previously adorned with a wrought iron balustrade, is now a curved, sculpted installation finished in polished plaster, with the lower steps clad in lavender-hued quartzite.

Chromatic abstraction is a recurring technique used throughout the design to integrate modern interventions with original features. This approach uses colour to enhance contemporary elements, ensuring new additions complement rather than overshadow historical aspects. Lightly coated, wire-brushed oak panels enhance white walls with subtle, silver-grey highlights, creating a serene and textured backdrop. Bespoke oak door frames and minimal trims further accentuate the contemporary updates, while olive green doors introduce a touch of luxury to the formal lounge area.

Materiality was key to the design approach, with generous applications of stone adding depth and texture throughout.

Carefully curated furniture and lighting fixtures grace the interior spaces, each chosen to reflect the dialogue between historical refinement and modern sensibilities. Custom lighting from Volker Haug Studio complements the nearby Shiro Kuramata chrome dining chairs, emphasising a commitment to timeless, enduring design.

River House by Fiona Lynch Office is an inventive and thoughtful restoration – a functional, elegant space that meets the needs of modern family life and honours its Georgian heritage. The resulting home is not only enduringly beautiful but also poised to be a cherished residence for generations to come.

Architecture by Marcus Martin. Design and interior design by Fiona Lynch Office. Build by Macrobuild. Landscape design by Edna Walling and Paul Bangay.