In the charming suburb of Ripponlea, Melbourne, this remarkable residence shares not only its name but also its graceful spirit with the surrounding area. This semi-detached brick home, a true gem of Edwardian elegance, occupies a modest plot of 240sqm, presenting unique challenges that ignited a wave of innovative design thinking.
From the outside, it appears unassuming, but a hidden extension awaits, ready to unveil a sun-drenched courtyard that effortlessly merges the realms of indoor and outdoor living. This architectural marvel, crafted by the visionary team at Luke Fry Architecture and Interior Design, speaks volumes through its unwavering focus on creating a holistic, integrated, and timeless outcome. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, Ripponlea House embraces the beauty of natural simplicity with a contemporary twist. This philosophy serves as a guiding force celebrating the beauty of natural simplicity capturing the essence of wabi-sabi's timeless allure.
Meticulously preserving the heritage charm of the front rooms, the focus of the renovation centered on reimagining the back of the house, allowing for a contemporary reinterpretation of the space. Through the ingenuity of craning larger design elements into the home, the architects skilfully sidestepped the entry space limitations, opening a world of possibilities within.
Internally, a harmonious fusion of a bathroom, master suite, and a captivating living-kitchen-dining area takes shape within an open-plan scheme that encourages free-flowing movement and an abundance of natural light. Thoughtfully placed skylights draw sunlight from above, illuminating the interiors and infusing the space with a warm and inviting ambiance. The addition of internal courtyards further enhances the connection between the interior and subtly landscaped outdoor spaces, inviting residents to bask in nature's embrace.
The material palette of Ripponlea House is a testament to both its robustness and visual impact. Comprising brick, concrete, and timber, these elements weave together to establish a sense of continuity and tranquillity throughout the home. Refined forms of joinery and meticulous interior detailing further contribute to the overall sense of calm, while clever alterations in floor and ceiling finishes within the expansive volume effortlessly delineate distinct living zones, eliminating the need for compartmentalised rooms.
Luke Fry Architecture and Interior Design has achieved an outstanding feat with the creation of a functional home that seamlessly caters to the current and future needs of its residence. Throughout the design process, the emphasis was on surpassing mere aesthetic appeal and prioritising practicality, ensuring that every aspect of the home responded adeptly to the clients' requirements. By implementing efficient space planning strategies, the architects successfully futureproofed the residence while establishing a more sustainable and energy-efficient environment. The culmination of these efforts is a timeless architectural masterpiece that embodies the perfect union of functionality, environmental consciousness, and the enduring joy of living.
Project Details:
Architecture & Interiors: Luke Fry Architecture & Interior Design
Photography: Timothy Kaye
Builder: Cote Constructions
Awards: Winner – Best Interiors – InsideOut Awards 2022
Shortlisted – Residential - IDEA Awards 2022
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