Carlton House

by Ellen Kwek + Michael Frazzetto

On a small lot of 98sqm in an inner Melbourne suburb, this two storey renovated house sits within the original brick walls of a 1890’s heritage warehouse. It eschews a typical linear terrace house plan typical of the area by arranging the living and dining/kitchen areas around a central and tightly packed, timber services ‘pod’ . The internal spaces are given natural light from multiple directions by two compact courtyards & existing windows to the adjacent laneway. Designed for the needs of a young family in an inner suburban context, the areas are open, relaxed and flexible . A palette of rich natural and industrial materials provide a robust, warm finish and contrast against the textured remnant paintwork of the heritage brickwork walls. Exposed timber joists and herringbone struts give a warm timber tone and natural texture to the spaces, as well as increasing the feeling of height downstairs. The simply finished concrete floor and steel and black stained timber windows sit alongside sleek spotted gum joinery and plywood panelling. The result is a variety of spaces that perform differently at different times of day and allow for a rich family life. Varying degrees of sociability are allowed for with communal activities ‘pushed’ towards the front and more privacy and seclusion to the rear. The efficient and flexible floor plan encourages chance conversations on the street, summer evening dinners opening up to the front courtyard, a warm winter refuge by the fire, a post-covid home office space and an outdoor shower below the evening stars.