Adaptive Series of Canopies Bring Shade to Revamped Victorian Heritage Villa

Space is a precious commodity in the inner suburbs of Melbourne and it is this space that is utilized to the hilt with the makeover of this fabulous Victorian heritage villa in Kew. For its makeover, architects from Matt Gibson Architecture + Design borrow from the Japanese design concept of Hiro-En; an idea that provides space for a deep veranda that brings the outdoors inside. Instead of disturbing the old heritage façade of the house, it is the interior that has been altered drastically by removing the poorly planned additions added to it over years. In its new avatar, the open floor plan extends into the covered deck outside and creates a cool indoor-outdoor interplay.

Series of canopies at different heights cover the exterior area of the house








The showstopper inside this new house is a series of canopies that cover the outdoor wooden deck and can be removed whenever the sun is not too harsh. The canopies can be moved around with ease and also provide protection from unexpected showers. Woven stainless steel curtains make the biggest impact here even as glass walls and other smart elements bring in greenery. Smart lighting, modern décor and an idea of ‘reversibility’ complete this fabulous modern Aussie home where life feels breezy and cheerful [Photography: Shannon McGrath]

Gray comfy couches for the open living area
Heritage street facade of classic Victorian era villa in the inner suburb of Melbourne
Home library with ample shelf space
Lighting adds elegance to the revamped Melbourne house
Open plan living area of the house with a revamped floor plan inside heritage Aussie home
Opening up the classic heritage home to the green garden outside

The process of renovation allowed for the act of revealing and exposing the history of the existing building, celebrating the trace of original materials and the history of alterations over time. Rather than covering over the original construction, certain aspects are left intentionally exposed. New fabric is deliberately left free from old so that the new works touch the original structure softly via glazed connections allowing for the principal of ‘reversibility’ whilst bringing light…

Sheltered street facade of the Melbourne home with brick walls
Beautifully designed canopies create a sheltered outdoor space at this Aussie home
Brick wall sections coupled with wooden flooring inside the heritage Aussie home
Completely covered outdoor space keeps out hot sun at this Melbourne home
Renovation plans of Hiro-En House designed by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design

You’re reading Adaptive Series of Canopies Bring Shade to Revamped Victorian Heritage Villa, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Similar Posts

  • Stunning Contemporary Home in Chile Made from Stone, Glass and Concrete

    It is not very often that you come across a modern home that has an imposing street façade made of magnificent stone walls on all sides. This not only provides complete privacy, but gives the home an entrance that is truly unforgettable. Welcoming you with stone beauty is the Cerro la Cruz House designed by […]

    You’re reading Stunning Contemporary Home in Chile Made from Stone, Glass and Concrete, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

  • PDC House

    The design strategy of this house is based on a commitment to artisanal constructive honesty, the respect towards natural context in an urban area, and the constant search for a way of inhabiting where material austerity provides spatial quality. The main body of the house is located in the southern boundary of the land, respecting the 3 preexisting fruit trees on the north side and taking advantage of the best ventilation and natural light possible. The program, which includes 2 bedrooms, social area, a family room and services, is condensed in a monolithic block to reduce its footprint. As a main strategy, the upper roof tilts 21 degrees, prioritizing the northern bedroom spaces and reducing the southern service spaces. The subtraction and rotation of a middle segment generates a shift in between the upper floor bedrooms, allowing cross ventilation, as well as the accommodation of rooftop equipment and the plumbing and electrical ducting. In section, the composition allows the circulation of north-south winds, cooling the kitchen by the hot air escape achieved through height differences. The constructive solution contemplates material honesty in all the elements. The concrete walls on ground floor, pured with recycled formwork, give an imperfect finish consistent with the roof’s austerity, but contrasted with the cleanliness and volumetric continuity of the upper floor finish. To reduce economic impact, ceiling and floor finishings and tilings were completely eliminated using bare concrete floors and, in order to express the constructive and structural performance, the roofs use a system of bare concrete joists in combination with vaulted pieces, designed and manufactured using a mold made with local artisan blacksmithing.

  • Accent Pillows in Multiple Colors: Must-Try Living Room Decorating Trend

    There are a few among us who are constantly worried about how we can improve our home and are more than happy to redecorate it in some small way all too often. Then there is the vast majority who just do not have the resources or the time to constantly change their home interior with […]

    You’re reading Accent Pillows in Multiple Colors: Must-Try Living Room Decorating Trend, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.