A Welcoming Reprieve – Villa Joseph by The Stella Collective and Studio Architect Wanders

Within the constraints of the traditional terrace typology, Villa Joseph is opened to bring an abundance of natural light and connection to the landscape into its heart. The Stella Collective and Studio Architect Wanders propose a respectful binding of old and new, expanding the contained envelope and elevating the experience of the everyday within.

Sitting upon a triangular site, Villa Joseph was in need of extensive replanning and realigning to better optimise an indoor-outdoor connection. Originally dark and non-conducive to the contemporary occupation of a home, the spaces were void of natural light. The closed-in nature of the form removed any connection to place – a core driver for the renovation and expansion works. Transforming the heritage home, The Stella Collective and Studio Architect Wanders combine to find a balance that respectfully engages old and new whilst ensuring the coming chapters are well catered for. Retaining important reminders of the past and aligning a flow and functionality that opens and connects, a layering of textures and tones creates a soft and welcoming reprieve.

Transforming the heritage home, The Stella Collective and Studio Architect Wanders combine to find a balance that respectfully engages old and new whilst ensuring the coming chapters are well catered for.

Instilling warmth and comfort into the home was an important driving principle. Whilst the site’s geometry posed a number of challenges, the clearing of an ill-fitting addition and replacing it with an open courtyard space allowed the home to breathe. The new volume instead hugs the open-air space, defining the rear of the home in a contained and protective way. As a nod to its past and the whimsy of the original artisanal detailing, the new combines a certain delicacy with a considered approach to overlay a refinement throughout. The new spaces continue the generous proportions of the original residence and enhance incoming light from above where possible, bringing natural ventilation into the interior to passively cool and temper the home.

Hidden behind a restored yet deeply storied façade, Villa Joseph opens up to become an unexpected sanctuary, balancing the density of its South Yarra surrounds. Taking inspiration from the private residences of Europe and how the rowed housing style reveals little of what lies within, the approach maintains the existing frontage. Split into winged areas to the front and back of the site, the resulting home has a natural separation between public and private areas, allowing the more intimate rooms to sit within the original formal planning and the areas to gather within the more open and connected zones. Integral throughout is the retention of privacy, and the architecture expresses this whole-heartedly.

Retaining important reminders of the past and aligning a flow and functionality that opens and connects, a layering of textures and tones creates a soft and welcoming reprieve.

Amid the muted nature of the layers used throughout Villa Joseph, the foundations of the time-enduring home are established. Through focusing on longevity and continuing the home’s history, The Stella Collective and Studio Architect Wanders craft their interpretation of modern yet traditional luxury.