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As you step into RE Residence, the interplay of light and shadow immediately captivates, weaving through the carefully restored brick Edwardian front to the spacious, light-filled extension at the rear. The entrance surprises with a striking maple tree, boldly growing in the home's atrium, framed by artisanal steel and handmade bricks. This blend of the unexpected and the familiar characterises the home, illustrating Inglis Architects' clever work in marrying the integrity of historical architecture with the delight and functionality of contemporary design. 

The transformation centres around the north-facing rear section, where the family's daily life unfolds in the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Here, what was once a dated extension now thrives as a radiant, open-plan living space. Pivotable full-height steel doors illuminate this area, connecting it to the landscaped outdoor terrace and pool, effectively erasing the boundary between indoor and outdoor living. 

RE Residence by Inglis Architects. modern residence with a clear sky above. The facade is minimalist with large glass doors and windows framed by stone walls. A single chair and a woven lounge chair are placed on the concrete patio.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. interior shot focusing on a sleek, modern kitchen. The space is defined by clean lines, with a marble backsplash and countertop. White cabinetry lines the wall above the counter. A black chair with a unique, fluid design is situated at the end of the island.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects cozy corner of a modern living room with large glass sliding doors that open to an outdoor area with greenery. Sheer curtains filter the natural light, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. A contemporary, round, brown chair sits in the foreground, and a plush, grey sofa adorned with cushions is partially visible. A minimalist fireplace anchors the space to the left, adding warmth to the setting.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell

The choice of materials in the rear extension underscores the thoughtfulness behind the renovation. The exterior's combination of off-form concrete and handmade Spanish bricks contrasts beautifully with the interior’s selection of terrazzo, timber, and unique mineral wall finishes. This material interplay not only enriches the tactile experience but also visually narrates the transition from the home's historic segments to its modern extensions. 

A notable feature of the residence is its ingenious use of light. Skylights and large windows not only flood the space with natural light but also symbolise the journey from the old to the new. This symbolic use of light is most evident where a skylight illuminates the kitchen benchtop, marking the threshold between the residence's traditional and contemporary areas. 

RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Edwardian style design, traditional red brick house with a tall chimney and terracotta roof tiles. The house is partially hidden behind a modern, dark metal fence and gate, with a lush garden featuring tall grasses and a bright yellow flowering plant.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects.interior view of a modern kitchen with minimalist design. A marble island with a waterfall edge is the centerpiece, matched by a marble backsplash. The room is framed by light wooden flooring and a concrete ceiling, with white cabinetry on the wall and a black cupboard below the counter. A small sculpture is visible on a shelf, adding a personal touch to the space.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects.The image depicts an evening view of a modern architectural residence with a concrete facade. Large floor-to-ceiling glass doors with black frames open onto a patio. One of the doors is ajar, inviting a look into the warmly lit interior. On the patio, there is a metal frame chair with a wooden slat seat and backrest, enhancing the minimalist aesthetic of the home.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell

Embracing the changing needs of its inhabitants, Inglis Architects designed RE Residence to offer flexible, dynamic spaces that encourage a fluid connection between the indoors and the outdoors. The front of the home celebrates its Federation-era origins, with features like original timber fretwork and archways lovingly restored, leading into a formal sitting room that is quiet insular and exudes quiet elegance. Alternatively, the rear presents a striking façade of operable steel and glass, handing over control to the residents to either open up the space and connect it with the garden beyond or close up and pull across the linen curtains for a more intimate space.

RE Residence by Inglis Architects.The first image shows a spacious and modern dining area within a minimalist kitchen setting. A simple wooden dining table is paired with black chairs, situated on light wooden flooring. White cabinetry and a kitchen counter with a marble finish define the kitchen space in the background, with a glimpse of a hallway to the left, featuring a concrete wall.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects.The room has a high ceiling and is painted in a soft white, with a large globe pendant light hanging off-center. The bed features a unique, cylindrical grey headboard, and is dressed with crisp white linens, a grey throw, and two earth-toned pillows. Elegant, floor-length curtains add a touch of luxury to the room. A brass reading lamp on the right completes the setting.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects.bright and airy corner of a living room with an open view to a garden through large glass doors with black metal frames. The doors are designed to slide away, connecting the indoor space with the outdoors seamlessly. A comfortable sofa with a light fabric is adorned with plush pillows, and a round, brown cushion sits on a modern armchair, adding a warm touch to the minimalist decor. The polished concrete floor transitions to an outdoor patio, complementing the natural green backdrop provided by the dense hedge outside.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell

This architectural venture by Inglis Architects goes beyond simple restoration; it is a reimagining of living spaces where the original charm of the home is enhanced by modern amenities and design sensibilities. Thus converting into a retreat helping its residents connect with their slice of suburban green space.

 Project Details

Location: Armadale, Victoria
Traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung people, of the Kulin Nation
Architecture: Inglis Architects
Interior Design: Inglis Architects
Furniture, Object & Art: Kate Lee
Landscape Design: Ben Scott
Builder: Henny
Styling: Kate Lee
Photography: Derek Swalwell

NOW HIRING 

Inglis Architects are actively looking for a Project Architect to join their Melbourne studio. If you are someone who is design focused, has extensive high end residential experience, knows how to detail and has strong communication skills, they would love to hear from you. Apply via the link.

CO-ARCHITECTURE COMPANY PROFILE

To find out more about Inglis Architects you can visit the Inglis Architects Company Profile. It's a great place to discover more about their studio and gain valuable insights into their work.

RE Residence by Inglis Architects.living room blending classic and contemporary design elements. The room features high ceilings with ornate crown moldings and a modern chandelier with multiple spherical bulbs on branching metal arms. A deep blue velvet sofa provides a striking contrast against the neutral-toned walls. Sheer curtains drape elegantly beside a window, and a large framed photograph of a misty forest adds an artistic touch. A geometric sculpture and a black floor lamp contribute to the room’s sophisticated aesthetic.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects.exterior view of a modern single-story residence with a flat roof and beige stone walls. The structure is characterized by its large glass doors and windows with slim black frames, which offer a transparent view into the interior's minimalist design. The building opens onto a patio that leads to a well-manicured lawn and a tranquil swimming pool, reflecting the clear sky and the architecture's clean lines. A wooden lounge chair sits near the pool, inviting relaxation in this serene outdoor setting.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects.minimalist kitchen space with a marble countertop extending to a backsplash. On the left, a tall cabinet with glass doors reveals an organized display of glassware and bottles, suggesting a built-in bar area. To the right, a niche in the wall displays a small sculpture, adding a personal touch. A chunky, sculptural grey knot decorates the foreground, sitting on a wooden table accompanied by a sleek black chair, blending functional design with artistic elements. The overall palette is neutral, with natural light softening the space.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell

RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell

RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell

RE Residence by Inglis Architects.partial view of a living room leading to a kitchen. Sheer curtains frame sliding glass doors that reveal the edge of a kitchen island with a marble countertop. A small sculpture is placed on a shelf, and white cabinetry is visible in the background.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell
RE Residence by Inglis Architects.iew from the inside looking out through black-framed glass doors onto a patio. The doors are ajar, allowing a glimpse of a comfortable chair on the patio. Inside, the focus is on a dining area with a dark wooden table and black chairs, complemented by the same sheer curtains as the top view, tying the two spaces together visually.
RE Residence by Inglis Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell