Steeped in Tradition – Shakespeare Grove Residence by B.E. Architecture

Shakespeare Grove Residence weaves itself sensitively among historic heritage homes in Hawthorn, Melbourne, as a contemporary architectural offering in a richly storied precinct. Deliberately proportioning the building to lessen its visual impact, B.E. Architecture pays homage to the existing architectural typologies already in place, forging a unique sense of identity that will continue with enduring relevance.

Embracing its surrounds, Shakespeare Grove Residence comes together as a responsive and responsible connection to context. “[Though] often we take our cues from the architecture from other periods of time and geographic locations,” describes Phoenix Wang, Associate Director of B.E. Architecture, “in this case, we wanted to try something different. Rather than the literal ‘borrowing’ of local cues, we looked at the work of European and American modernists like Rafael Moneo and Louis Kahn.” Needing to satisfy local authorities and regulations by maintaining the established streetscape rhythm, B.E. Architecture has integrated gestures to suit. Elements such as the flush masonry of the façade, concrete header courses and classical arches within the brickwork all represent a contemporary interpretation that feels like an evolution of the existing.

“In this case, we wanted to try something different. Rather than the literal ‘borrowing’ of local cues, we looked at the work of European and American modernists like Rafael Moneo and Louis Kahn.”

“While not trying to mimic the local architecture, the result is something that, at a quick glance, one might assume was part of older housing stock, of another point in time,” describes Phoenix. “As a new building, the idea that the design sits so effortlessly within its rarefied heritage surroundings is something that is at the core of our philosophy.” The result is a structure that initially appears to blend seamlessly with the other older homes, yet what sets it apart are the curious ways by which the old and new coalesce. Despite the contrasting fundamentals between the existing and this recent build, there is a binding warmth that reflects a calm and quiet atmosphere. The raw and handworked feel of each of the surfaces leaves a depth in texture that is generally absent in newer homes, seeing the approach instead take its own divergent path from the typical. Throughout, ornamental inlaid timber ceilings, tactile wall treatments and surfaces covered in luxurious felt are combined with wool draperies to reflect a feeling of grandeur from another time. “We wanted the house to feel as if it predated the owners, something with an identity of its own,” says Phoenix.

The internal planning has an important role in ensuring the outer formworks for the residents’ lifestyles. Within the front section of the house is the formal living room, study and master bedroom – all of which mirror the expected formality of a heritage home. In contrast, however, the rear encompasses the main living areas, the kitchen and spare bedrooms, representing a more grounded and open feel. The owners, both medical professionals, actively contributed to the design process, seeking a residence that would facilitate their family’s changing dynamic over time. “There was a real awareness of the potential [for] creating something special,” describes Phoenix. “The concept of creating two distinctive zones that together created something unique was challenging and somewhat daunting, but the clients clearly expressed their want to be pushed beyond their comfort zone.”

“The concept of creating two distinctive zones that together created something unique was challenging, but the clients clearly expressed their want to be pushed beyond their comfort zone.”

The simplicity and consistency of the material palette – brick, render, concrete, timber felt, wood and brass – engenders a sense of familiar comfort and creates a canvas for light and natural elements to interact with. “The walls and ceilings were rendered in a natural cementitious sand finish, creating a non-white earthy sensation to the rear of the house,” explains Phoenix. “The effect is not reflective and feels cocooning – the finish creates a sense of warmth and stillness.” Bringing in natural materials and allowing for a flow between inside and out, and between the built and the natural, creates a contrast that grounds the home. Along with the masonry elements, brass plays a key role in combining warmth and texture. Used for custom light fittings, the kitchen benchtop and range hood, the finish was selected for the way it collects the memory of time through its natural patina. “The kitchen design needed to cater for the owners’ joy of cooking, wine collecting and love of entertaining,” explains Phoenix. “They had very definite ideas about what they wanted to achieve in terms of how instrumental the house could potentially be in their lives over a long period of time.”

Through a process of listening to both the site and the owners, Shakespeare Grove Residence seamlessly melds two distinct aesthetics and fulfills a complex and varied brief. B.E. Architecture celebrates a connection to the past whilst ensuring the home has a resonant future as a significant contributor to the lasting narrative of the area.