Albert Park Terrace by Wellard Architects

When Wellard Architects took on a single-fronted Victorian in Melbourne’s Albert Park, it was riddled with the classic challenges of light, ventilation and spatial flow. Understanding the potential of this original home and its heritage character, their key intervention – a double-height void – has turned all of these challenges on their head. Where the opportunity to sit and absorb natural light presents around every corner, the home’s relaxed atmosphere draws on the lush foliage and prominent use of timber.

The owners’ brief asked for interconnected and flexible spaces that were at their core, hard-wearing and light-filled. This was underpinned by the preservation of the existing palm trees in the rear yard and north-facing orientation. Wellard Architects responded with a double-height void and timber bridge linking the first-floor volumes within the timber-clad addition, instantly increasing a sense of height and fluidity in the tight terrace footprint. Eckersley Garden Architecture were asked to design a low maintenance garden around this addition, offering a private leafy outlook through the living room’s full-height sliding doors.

As we saw in Wellard Architects’ Elsternwick Home, the firm have an affinity for light-reflecting, natural materials, gravitating to timber for the interior and exterior. Wellard Architects introduced blackbutt timber for the internal floors, echoing the blackbutt timber rear facade. Painted v-groove timber lines the kitchen, living and transitional spaces, while rich, bespoke timber cabinetry features prominently within the private spaces.

Timber also characterises the void above the kitchen; the black steel and timber bridge battens informing the jet-black kitchen cabinetry. The devil really is in the details in this home, down to the panelled timber doors and leather door hardware from Made Measure on the second level, echoing the materiality of the living spaces. 

Products were carefully selected in each space, referencing the strict material palette. In an ode to Danish design, highlights include The Moller Bench #63, The Flag Halyard Chair by Hans J Wegner and the Around Coffee Tables by Thomas Bentzen. Light fittings from Flos, bathroom fixtures from Astra Walker and Rogerseller, and appliances from Miele and Gaggenau further add to this theme of time-honoured design.

Characterised by honest, scrupulous detailing and a select few materials, the Albert Park Terrace beams with warmth. It’s within this small footprint Wellard Architects have demonstrated quality craftsmanship, respectful innovation and the beauty of timber to spectacular effect.