Spanish Mission House by Lande Architects

Nestled in the leafy inner-Melbourne suburb of Prahran, Spanish Mission House by Lande Architects offers a considered approach to the notion of downsizing. The project embodies the team’s ethos of crafting functional, evocative spaces through minimal intervention for maximum impact.

The home reimagines the volumes of a Spanish Mission residence for a retired couple transitioning from a sprawling family home to a more compact, single-storey space. Balancing personality with practicality, the design fosters an environment where cherished memories, an eclectic art collection and a range of furniture combine to form a residence rich with character.

Spanish Mission House stands as a symbol of both the past and present.

The previous residence was burdened by an awkward layout and orientation with illogical alterations. The redesign introduced a definitive arrival sequence and emphasised northern light in key living zones. The kitchen became the functional heart of the home, by way of an eat-in hub, while the main bedroom and study were reconceived with tranquility in mind. The earthy palette of the main bedroom follows through to the ensuite bathroom, where Moroccan zellige tiles echo the tone and sense of a retreat. Enclosed and introspective, the study opens to subtle garden views.

The interiors exude a maturity befitting of the home’s owners. Though drawing inspiration from the Victorian homes more prominent in the region, a palette of calming greens and blushes are a nod to the Spanish Mission House’s era and celebrate the dwelling’s evolution. This diversity in colour amid the array of personal objects and art pieces infuses every space with a distinct character and complements the home’s architectural language.

Juxtaposed by a robust blackbutt island, the kitchen blends traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary touch. The joinery was deliberately kept ambiguous in order to blur the line between eras. The salmon-toned kitchen, for example, makes you question whether the joinery was inherited or custom-made. Further modern touches such as large reveals, finger pulls and accessible larder drawers sit comfortably alongside the more overt gestures of nostalgia.

Spanish Mission House stands as a symbol of both the past and present. By retaining and reworking the home’s existing features, Lande Architects amplifies the dwelling’s unique character while adapting it for contemporary use and creating a deeply personal exploration of identity and place.

Architecture and interior design by Lande Architects. Build by Fencon.