Deco House

by Dean Dyson Architects

Art Deco design elements are reimagined in an Essendon family home that has sustainability and wellness at its core. In this contemporary interpretation of a 1940s Art Deco home, Dean Dyson Architects pays homage to period design elements in a striking new build that embodies the very essence of modern-day living. Located in the leafy suburb of Essendon in Melbourne’s northwest, lead architect Dean Dyson embraces sustainable and wellness design principles to create a thoughtfully considered family home. And the use of beautiful, expressive curves and geometric shapes honour the past with warmth and elegance. “Our clients wanted a home that fits in seamlessly with the character of the street yet expressed a more contemporary insertion so as not to replicate the historical past,” says Dyson. “The home needed to be warm and inviting with sharp detailing with openness to light and connection to the outdoors.” Dean Dyson Architects created a beautiful contemporary frontage using steel-framed windows and soft curves paired against the bold textural brickwork repurposed from the original Art Deco home. “The way the home has integrated itself into the street is beautiful. It almost looks like it has been there for 100 years, which is an amazing feature for such a contemporary design,” says Dyson. Inside, the home’s narrative is defined by the clear distinction between public and private areas. The holistic transition from one space to another brings unexpected moments by way of stunning skylights which bathe the interiors in natural light and shadow – allowing the inhabitants to disconnect and transition through their daily rituals and activities, especially as working from home becomes the new norm.

At the centre of the home is the sculptural spiral staircase, which is visually and physically engaging as you move through the primary living spaces connected by herringbone timber flooring, a subtle nod to the strong geometric patterns and shapes of the Art Deco era. The kitchen effortlessly connects to the garden and outdoor living zones through glass walls encased by black steel window frames. The oversized marble bench has a translucent quality which becomes apparent when the sun shines across it in the mornings. Adding another layer of depth to the space is the use of mirrors, which give the illusion of the ceiling disappearing over the top of the custom black cabinetry—made all the more elegant with subtle brass detailing. “The kitchen is such a beautiful and multifunctional space. It feels intimate enough when one person is in there yet large enough to entertain family and friends around the 4.5-metre marble island bench. The sense of connection to the outdoors is seamless and delightful,” says Dyson. The ceiling in the living room has been lowered to create an intimate setting – a feeling of cosiness while the dining room opens onto a covered alfresco that gives way to a landscaped garden and outdoor pool. Three bedrooms, a children’s play area and two bathrooms reside upstairs, yet it’s the master suite and ensuite on the ground floor that truly delight. An entire wall of mirror allows it to reflect and make the walk-in wardrobe feel twice the size it actually is, and the terrazzo tiling gives the ensuite a soft, subtle texture. “The light-filled interior is a delight to be in, and wherever you stand, you can see the outdoor garden, especially from the master bedroom suite, which allows our clients every day to be visually drawn to the calming soft shadowing of the blue water. It’s such a tranquil retreat,” says Dyson. Elegant in its restraint, Essendon Art Deco House embodies the standards upon which Dean Dyson Architects has built its reputation.