Robust Simplicity – South Yarra House by Wellard Architects

Inspired by simplicity, South Yarra House combines the retention of an existing heritage home with a considered fluidity that connects the old and new and inside with outside zones. Wellard Architects engages in a robust and raw approach to both materiality and form, ensuring both the floor plan and detailing throughout aligns with the growing family.

In transforming the existing Victorian-era terrace into a contemporary and liveable residence, South Yarra House focuses on streamlining the detailing. In doing so, the existing and more ornate features remain and are restored but become muted through a uniform palette of light tones. Behind the original façade and front rooms that are typically retained, the contemporary form pushes out to the rear of the house, opening generously to the landscaped courtyard beyond. Creating and reinforcing an openness and sense of connection throughout was integral to the reshaping of the home, where Wellard Architects draws from a sense of restraint.

A balance needed to be created between improving the openness to align with a more contemporary way of living and still retaining bonds to those original historical roots.

Retaining the original single-storey presence from the street was a priority, and tucked behind the established silhouette of the roof and outer form of the terrace is a second level. A balance needed to be created between improving the openness to align with a more contemporary way of living and still retaining bonds to those original historical roots. The front windows were replaced, ensuring these preserved elements will stand the tests of time as well as the tests of a young family. The expansion then funnels all movement into the shared living, kitchen and dining spaces, allowing for a sense of flow into the outside space as its own room and extension of the living area.

Linear in its approach and formation on site, the contemporary addition integrates a controlled rhythm in terms of its comprising parts. The rear face features equally divided panels of both closed and open elements, flanked on either side by the outer protective walls. The upper level then continues a similar rigor in form and opening style, channelling light more selectively into the passive spaces above. Throughout, a consistency in both palette and the tones integrated enhances the interior volumes, optimising the narrow allotment whilst creating an ideal canvas for incoming light. With a series of raw and honest materials, the home is imagined to last and remain as close to it is now as the passing of time continues.

Throughout, a consistency in both palette and the tones integrated enhances the interior volumes, optimising the narrow allotment whilst creating an ideal canvas for incoming light.

Muted and refined, South Yarra House proposes a clean-lined home that fuses the historical and the contemporary with vigour. Wellard Architects ensures the coming chapters are catered for, with sustainable systems supporting the functions of the everyday whilst opening the interior volumes from within.