When designing a home for herself and her family, architect Jessica Liew began with a small site of just 385 sq.m. which was formerly a tennis court, in Melbourne, Victoria. The inherent problems of building a new home in an inner city area are myriad but the most important of these is one of privacy. In order to deal with this, the architect has created a unique home, a closed in space with monitored views of courtyards and gardens, including a fish pond.
The two storey home avoids any kind of pretense, instead its generous spaces including two living rooms, library, study, utility rooms, playroom, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and parking for three cars have been designed keeping in mind that the family priorities could change in the future and so many of the spaces are flexible and are able to adopt an entirely different identity when needed. The stucco finish on the exterior and natural materials of regenerative hardwood and recycled materials in the interior create an urban vibe in which to incorporate the artwork and objects collected by the family during their extensive travels.
The combination of the old and new is a recurrent theme throughout, exquisite carved Chinese screen doors keeps company with a slate wall with a mural by well-known Melbourne street artists, GhostPatrol and Miso. An unusual steel framed glass pivot door replaces the conventional entrance door and concrete mix is combined with black oxide to create a high shine floor. The home has been awarded a 6 star energy rating through its insulation and double glazing and underground water tank and hydronic slab heating system.
