Delicate Realignment – Tiara House by FMD Architects
Expressing the highly decorated elements of its Victorian-era origins, Tiara House is reimagined to connect nostalgically to its past whilst facilitating a more contemporary and open way of living. FMD Architects realigns the outlook of the double-storey dwelling to overlook the historic Edinburgh Gardens and pursue connections to the landscape, offering an expressive response to place through a new-found sense of flow and movement that begins within.
Located in Melbourne’s inner north and set among other preserved heritage dwellings, Tiara House draws from the existing home’s past to formulate an approach that connects it to the present. The reimagining of the Victorian iron lacework outside sees the emergence of a veiled screen. Through large windows framing the landscape, the exterior addition enhances the sense of disconnection from the public realm, ensuring the residence feels like its own private sanctuary. Together with a neutral palette used throughout, the interior sees a wide-arched hallway and formal room at the front create a renewed sense of arrival, enhanced by stunning shades of blue.
The combination of linear and curved gestures throughout bind the old and new and soften the formal structure, planning and movement of the home. Replacing an existing addition, new geometric elements add a richness and texture across the two floors. A second bedroom has transformed into a bathroom consisting of deep blue tones, whilst fluted timber lining, white rendered brick and custom concrete aggregate runs underfoot. Despite the southern orientation, FMD Architects prioritised connections to the landscape, drawing in natural light through an eastern lightwell and framing the rear view of the garden. A stone island bench and rear sliding door with a timber inlay further enhance this connection to the outdoors. A collaboration with the landscape designer also resulted in a unique curation of native, cottage and Mediterranean plant species within the landscape, honouring layers of the site’s history.
Shrouding the upper level is a floating veil of timber battens; its sweeping form referencing the rhythm of the rotunda found in the nearby Edinburgh Gardens, adding another level of detail that connects to the Victorian rear façade. A landscaped deck, accessible via the main bedroom and protected by a curved steel awning, offers privacy and expansive views across the surrounding rooftops and the distant city skyline. Inside, the main bedroom and ensuite feature serene blues and whites, whilst the remaining bedrooms are restored with stripped timber floors. A mirrored panel adds a playful touch, connecting the various active and passive spaces throughout the home.
