Halcyon House by Studio 11:11

A sensitive restoration of a 1930s heritage house, Studio 11:11 breathes new life into a bygone home. With minimal changes to the residence’s structure, the rejuvenation comes from the injection of a fresh, restrained material palette and highly considered landscaping.

Located in Toorak, a leafy locale in Melbourne’s inner east, Halcyon House is similar to many homes on the tree-lined streets; extensive, charming and with large gardens. Toorak is also where landscape designer and homeowner of Halcyon House, Jack Merlo, works on many of his projects. “Being a landscape designer, I suppose the pressure is always on to make sure your own garden looks amazing and showcases your work and whilst [Halcyon House] is beautiful to look at and live in, it’s a home that really works for a young family as well,” says Merlo, reflecting on the home he shares with his husband and two children. While the home was in desperate need of love and attention, Merlo had a vision that he could turn it into something beautiful and inviting.

Inside the home, the material palette is pared back and neutral, dominated by white plaster and a Calacatta Viola marble stone from Signorino.

The house mostly retains its existing layout and proportions. A study and a guest bedroom border the entry, and as one continues through the entry foyer, there is a large formal lounge that connects to the formal dining room. This sits next to an open-plan dining and living area that overlooks the pool, alfresco terrace and backyard. The original stairway at the front of the house leads to the main bedroom, another bedroom with an ensuite and two more bedrooms that share a bathroom.

Inside, the material palette is pared back and neutral, dominated by white plaster and a Calacatta Viola marble stone from Signorino. The feature stone’s smooth finish and patinaed look make it versatile in multiple applications and give the home a unique character that echoes the heritage charm of the original building. The stone is used alongside Signorino’s Lorde White Marble in the bathrooms and studio space. The calmer, more neutral colour of this stone beautifully complements the rest of the interior palette.

Walking outside to the garden, there is a tangible sense of harmony between the architecture, interiors and landscape design.

Walking outside to the garden, there is a tangible sense of harmony between the architecture, interiors and landscape design. The garden is sanctuary-like; evergreen screening allows for a sense of privacy, while the garden changes with the seasons and features ornamental grapes and plants that flower at different times of the year like gardenias and hydrangeas. A steel pergola, designed by Merlo, is a focal point of the space. The outdoor areas feature an off-white colour, natural materials and soft colours that connect to the interior, creating a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors.

Studio 11:11 designed a contemporary home while respecting the period character of the original house. The end result is a robust family home that feels open, light and peaceful – a place to retreat and relax, both indoors and out.

Architecture and Interior design by Studio 11:11. Landscape design by Jack Merlo. Swimming pool by Grange Pools. Paving by Eco Outdoor. Outdoor furniture by Cosh Living.