A Softer Architectural Touch – Balmoral Mid-Century by Tecture

Balmoral Mid-Century illustrates the value of a softer architectural touch. As a house with ample character and original features, Tecture Director Ben Robertson and Head of Interior Design Lauren Foy knew their contribution would not be defined by what they could add, but by their ability to champion the existing building. Informed by their deep respect for the home’s heritage and an exceptional relationship with their clients, the result exemplifies a sensitive approach to Australia’s modernist legacy.

Tecture’s role here was not extensively architectural. Rather, it was incredibly nuanced and demanded a considered approach to the existing building. “When we start a project, we look at where we’re going to invest,” Ben explains. “Because we weren’t adding a considerable amount, it became less about the architecture and more about how striking, brilliant and liveable we could make the interior.”

“Because we weren’t adding a considerable amount, it became less about the architecture and more about how striking, brilliant and liveable we could make the interior,” Tecture Director Ben Robertson explains.

This certainty allowed Tecture to channel a meticulous vision to key areas while retaining a holistic attitude. As a home typical of the period during which it was built, Balmoral Mid-Century already had beautiful bones and clean, horizontal lines. Tecture designed a small extension at the back of the house to “allow for greater access to light and provide more generously proportioned spaces with greater flow,” Lauren explains.

The layout at the front remains largely the same, elevated through sympathetic details referencing the original home. Palladiana paving leads up the path and across the threshold into the double height entrance, where there is a seamless and delightful sense of arrival. Inside, a steel and timber staircase winds up and along the side of the room, as a vintage Murano glass pendant hangs in the void. Both are original features from the existing home, as is the curved wall that draws one further into the building.

“We tried to retain as many of the original heritage features as possible,” Head of Interior Design Lauren Foy says. “We didn’t want to strip the house back and make it feel like a completely different home, because that’s not what our clients fell in love with.”

To the right, the front room features a newly upholstered mid-century corner sofa, built-in joinery and a console with a record player. These pieces – along with several others – were inherited with the house and have been thoughtfully edited and restored. The front layout remains largely the same, elevated through sympathetic details referencing the original home. “We tried to retain as many of the original heritage features as possible,” Lauren says. “We didn’t want to strip the house back and make it feel like a completely different home, because that’s not what our clients fell in love with.”

While magnificent, this building had some quirks, namely, a kink in the wall around the dining area. Unable to demolish the wall due to planning requirements, Tecture designed an internal curved wall to sit within the angled frame. “We hid the awkward angle, and it also gave us an opportunity to replicate the original curved wall in the foyer,” Lauren reflects. This curved wall now defines the dining area; it is a compact space that suits the clients’ everyday lifestyle but also offers the flexibility to seat larger groups when desired. “Lauren proposed a functional banquette seat along the curved wall,” Ben explains. “Then Ben Whittaker from SideProject Projects and Lauren liaised with Melbourne furniture designer Cenzo to create a beautiful extendable table.” When the dining table is closed, it is intimate and cosy; when larger groups gather, it ticks off those briefing requirements for a generous dining space with elegance and ease. Above the dining table is an original light fitting, meticulously refurbished by Ilanel, anchoring the space.

“We encourage our clients to use Fisher & Paykel because not only do we love the design versatility and service but we believe in their products.”

The kitchen, which was previously closed off, is now open and connected to the living and dining areas. Situated along the eastern elevation and with a generous island bench, it presents as both a space to traverse and pause. It is highly functional and welcoming, with a butler’s pantry, walnut joinery and oak flooring. Fisher & Paykel appliances were selected for the kitchen. As Ben and Lauren explain, while the decision ultimately belongs to their clients, they always recommend Fisher & Paykel. “We encourage our clients to use Fisher & Paykel because not only do we love the design versatility and service but we believe in their products.”

New Zealand-born Lauren has “grown up” with Fisher & Paykel, but her affinity for the brand is not just ingrained; it has been largely influenced by her work as a designer. “It’s a brand I’ve known for a long time, but it’s been encouraging to see how they’ve engaged with the architecture and design community to seek feedback and evolve,” she says. Ben has attended Fisher & Paykel’s Future Design Workshops and says that, for a designer, it is an ideal relationship. “We just want simplicity, functionality and aesthetics that work with our concepts. Fisher & Paykel offers this,” he says. Adding, “we believe they’re a brand that deserves to have a large presence in the Australian market.”

For this project, Tecture’s design philosophy centred around “reinterpreting the mid-century aesthetic in a contemporary way,” and this undoubtedly extends to the landscaping by Plume Studio.

The clients selected two all-black self-cleaning ovens, a generous induction cooktop with integrated rangehood, integrated French door refrigerator and freezer, and integrated dishwasher. While there is a wide range of appliances within the kitchen, the design reads as a minimal space. The ability to integrate and, in Ben’s words, “the willingness to adapt to what we’re designing” illustrate Fisher & Paykel’s commitment to supporting the work of architects in creating sophisticated kitchens.

Every space in this home feels luxurious yet there is an understated elegance and a sense of effortlessness, which is perhaps the perfect match for a mid-century building. As well as the beautifully appointed living spaces, the layout includes a study, a cloakroom with custom joinery and a compact powder room that takes advantage of the north-western orientation and, as a result, feels light and airy.

Across the hall, the laundry demonstrates Tecture’s critical eye for spatial planning. A second kink in the wall created a difficult space, however, it has been reimagined to house the lift – with its access to an underground garage and the first floor – as well as storage. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms for guests and grandchildren, a main bathroom and a master suite with views to the backyard.

For this project, Tecture’s design philosophy centred around “reinterpreting the mid-century aesthetic in a contemporary way,” and this undoubtedly extends to the landscaping. Designed by Melbourne studio Plume, the garden complements the house with a pleasing subtlety. “Working with Plume was really collaborative,” Lauren says. “We shared all the materials we were using internally, so there’s a strong synergy between inside and out.”

Tecture’s desire to acknowledge the history of this home in its newfound contemporary context is resolute. Not only has the architecture been respected and celebrated, but an abundance of original elements have been thoughtfully restored and will be revelled in for years to come.