Iron House

by Empire Interiors

Iron House, South Melbourne is the home of Interior Designer Nicole Chapman, Founder and Director of Empire Interiors Albert Park. Set on a tiny 120m2 block in South Melbourne’s iconic Emerald Hill precinct this home punches well above its weight when it comes to internal scale and inclusions. The home sits on a site of significance and once housed one of Melbourne’s historical ‘Iron Houses’ built in the gold rush times. This original pre-fab iron house was shipped to a museum for preservation and the block was left clear to build. Working with Sketch Design, the design of the new home was inspired by the simplicity of the original Iron House and incorporates aspects such as the same steel window shapes and other iron materials throughout. Growing up in Country Victoria, both Nicole and her partner Ben wanted a home that reflected the authentic, relaxed and sustainable lifestyle they enjoyed as children. The use of sustainable timbers and natural marble combined with the commercial grade, double glazed tinted windows and ventilation systems married both function, form together in a home that is designed to stand the test of time from a structure and sustainability aspect.

This tri-level, reverse living abode hosts three large scale bedrooms, a full laundry room, mudroom and two full luxurious bathrooms wrapped in timeless Cararra marble on the ground floor. Level one is the main living space with its own wine cellar, wood store, generous kitchen and butlers pantry, powder room, living room and balcony with herb garden all with breathtaking vista across the Melbourne city skyline. The third level is the is one of the highlights of this unique inner city family home, which is accessed through a custom glass hatch that opens out onto a limestone rooftop patio with uninterrupted views across the city, all the way to the Westgate and Bolte bridges. This rooftop deck hosts its own built in kitchen, open wood burning fire, dining area and casual lounge space. It’s the ultimate family entertaining space and even has its own fold out movie screen for screenings under the stars.