Modest and Measured – Tandem House by Fiona Drago

Presenting as two humble, mass volumes on site, Tandem House sees the single- storey silhouette maintained while the separating central courtyard brings natural light deep into the home. Fiona Drago combines a modest and measured approach to create a cleverly planned and efficient resolve.

Occupying its slight and modest site, a fitting home sits resting behind the seemingly single-level façade. Inside however, as the home opens up to its interconnected zones, a double-storey home evolves under the same roofline. Sitting tandem, two volumes occupy the site and are separated by a centralised courtyard. The insertion of an open void at the core of the home offers an opportunity for the creation of a hierarchy of zoning internally, as well as the introduction of natural light to enter deep within the spaces – a challenge for such a narrow and unforgiving site. Fiona Drago takes a measured and restrained approach to bring together an intricate brief with such a deceptive ease.

Built by Masterplan Builders, Tandem House is located in the dense milieu of Hawthorn, in Melbourne’s inner east, and challenges the traditional residential approach. Instead of expressing both levels of its double-storey composition as separate volumes, it instead conceals the upper floor within a traditional single storey pitched roof silhouette. Representing a more familiar form on site, the result creates an interesting approach to adding density while remaining respectful of context and the many heritage homes that dot the surrounding area. Aligning with rooflines of neighbouring properties, the home pays homage to the historical architectural language of the past, while interpreting it through a more contemporary lens.

Clad in a combination of metal and masonry, the exterior sees zinc sheets combine with warming, textured brickwork. These references also offer a point of connection to the area and provide a relevant front to the bluestone laneway the home sits aligning. The timber fence adds another layer of texture, reinforcing a sense of rhythm and formality. Internally, the approach is restrained and considered, with a minimal palette of clean finishes that come together with ease and a matched simplicity. The muted timber adds warmth and texture and the polished concrete floor injects an industrial and contemporary accent. Throughout, the access to natural light was imperative and a key aim of the project from its inception. Both the courtyard and skylights ensure the small home has access to natural light and views, allowing a unique relationship to occur beyond the built elements.

Tandem House is a study of restraint and beautifully captures the resolve of working modestly within a respectful understanding of context. Fiona Drago has combined key planning and a reinforcing of a formal approach on site to propose an enduring home of purpose.