Though the introduction of a rear concrete pavilion, Taylor Knights have given this 1930s heritage home a contemporary revival on a sloping site in Malvern.
Faced with a compartmentalised layout that often presents itself in period houses, the owners of this three-storey home contacted Melbourne-based architecture and interior design practice Taylor Knights to rework its floorplan. Although outdated and disconnected, the family home already had strong foundations and a large, lived-in garden. Walking the fine line between old and new, Taylor Knights have successfully realigned the home with the lifestyle of its young family while retaining its sought-after charm.
An angular skylight punctuates through the concrete ceiling in the kitchen, adjacent to a large window seat overlooking the pool.
The first step was functionally rezoning the home in a way that reflects modern-day living, ensuring an equal balance of communal and private spaces that cater to both immediate and extended family. Symbolic of the home’s history, an ornate archway marks the transition from the entryway into the revived open-plan living space, with timber-clad ceilings and oak flooring. Recessed black track-lighting provides a seamless, contemporary finish to the home alongside black window frames.
Taylor Knights’ approach to the redesign focuses on injecting natural light wherever possible through full-height glazing, taking advantage of the lush backyard. The pavilion supports a discreet roof garden that spills over the exterior concrete lip, accommodating the new kitchen and dining room that’s characterised by concrete ceilings and terrazzo flooring. The bespoke curved kitchen island bench reveals a touch of 1970s modernism illuminated by an angular skylight that punctuates the concrete ceiling.
Fluted glass doors separate the butler’s pantry from the kitchen.
The functional rezoning of the home prioritises indoor-outdoor living.
The living room features a photograph from Derek Swalwell’s Farnsworth + Miller collection and two Aballs Wall Lamps by Jaime Hayon for Parachilna.
Taylor Knights’ approach to the redesign focuses on injecting natural light where possible through full-height glazing, taking advantage of the north-facing garden.
Taylor Knights director Peter Knights says his team actively sought to identify motifs from the original home and repeated them in new ways throughout. “The heritage stepped-brick detail is echoed in the concrete corbelling, anchoring the new addition into the earth,” Peter says. “Similarly, the panelwork within the entrance hall delicately traces throughout the existing interior spaces that continue through into the new pavilion.”
A strong modern Australian aesthetic is prevalent throughout the home, particularly in the bathrooms. Imbued with a sense of calm, a custom vanity by Brunswick furniture maker Made By Morgen adds warmth to the master ensuite, clad in white subway tiles.
Taylor Knights have stepped up to the challenges this home presented, scrupulously altering and reorienting the spaces to design a home set in its garden surrounds.
The ensuite features a custom vanity by Made by Morgen and the Grey and White Wave handtowel from local towel supplier Loom Towels.
The Mini Glo Ball C/W by FLOS in the bathroom, with direct access to a modest courtyard.
Cement pavers form a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Crazy paving features at the front of the home.
