St David’s House by Pipkorn Kilpatrick

With its original Victorian facade, St David’s House embraces its position within the historic Fitzroy landscape. In revitalising the residence, Pipkorn Kilpatrick beautifully blends old and new elements, preserving its charming character.

As part of the South Fitzroy Precinct, St David’s House is protected by a strong heritage overlay. Though its distinctive, double-fronted facade is carefully maintained, internally the home reflects contemporary living, with spaces leading into a two-storey rear extension. The design brief called for the property to be enhanced through restoration, respectful adjustments and new features infused with an earthy sophistication. Unsightly bulkheads and reflective surfaces are gently removed, while open-tread stairs and joinery are installed. The brief also required housing two bedrooms at the back of the building – one on each level – and incorporating an upper deck to offer views of the suburb.

Photographs of the original 1970s extension reveal that sections of the walls were double brick; consequently, the material is used in harmony with the new colour scheme.

Inside St David’s House, the original Victorian moulding is retained and restored. The front room – once a formal space – is reimagined as an inviting sleeping area, where the street view is framed by wardrobes, and double doors open to a private courtyard. Contrasting the previous layout, the latest version is intuitive; the laundry machines are moved into a room that can be directly accessed from the hallway, and in their place, a bathroom is created. The doors of the bedroom and new bathroom are aligned so that the latter functions as an ensuite. Further on, the study is brightened with timber-framed, reeded glass doors, while the kitchen is defined by full-height joinery, off-white cabinetry and a solid quartzite bench. The joinery also encases the step between the kitchen and living area, enabling an effortless transition between the spaces.

Connections are further fostered through the material and colour palettes. Photographs of the original 1970s extension reveal that sections of the walls were double brick; consequently, the material is used in harmony with the new colour scheme. The yellow render is removed from the old bricks and, alongside new bricks, they are bagged with a creamy pigment. The non-brick sections are clad in blackbutt timber battens, which provide a thermal function – in the form of shutters, they also reduce the amount of harsh sunlight entering the study. With the same cladding around the new deck area, the extension emerges as a refined, thoughtful addition. Inside, the cream colour of the bricks continues across most of the walls, highlighting the unbroken steel doors and garden hues. The walls of the ensuites, however, introduce soft greens, blues and greys, inspired by the landscape and sky.

Combining historic architecture with modernised interiors, St David’s House offers a soothing environment for Fitzroy living.

Combining historic architecture with modernised interiors, St David’s House offers a soothing environment for Fitzroy living. With a focus on spatial connection and harmony, Pipkorn Kilpatrick thoughtfully integrates old and new elements to create a timeless family home.

Architecture and interior design by Pipkorn Kilpatrick. Drafting by Griffin Building Design & Drafting. Build by Noy Builders. Landscape design by Ian Barker Gardens. Furniture by Jardan, Tom Fereday and District. Tapware by Astra Walker. Appliances by Miele. Tiles by Artedomus. Artwork by Stephanie Phillips, Julz Beresford, Nicholas Harding, Eileen Napaltjarri, Stacey McCall, Kir Larwill and Diya Sanat.