12.13.2019 | DIGS.NET 119
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enovating a historic house is a matter of passion and
dedication and the team behind Australian firm B.E
Architecture—led by Broderick Ely, Jonathon Boucher and
Andrew Piva—know it. Situated in the surroundings of Melbourne,
this project is a good example of the firm's approach, as it thoughtfully
reinterprets classical references through a contemporary lens.
"A period home comes with its own unique identity that tells the story
of the time and place it came from," the architects say. "We approach
a building in a manner that is respectful of the originality that typifies
a period home, often including decorative and ornate elements. Rather
than completely eliminating them or attempting a faux replica, we have
designed referential period details that are both appropriate to their
context and fit for their modern purpose."
Working closely with their client and calling upon artists and artisans,
the B.E Architecture team created a new extension (behind the heritage
façade), which acts as a cultural bridge between the old and the new.
"Although the majority of the home is a new building, it is not immediately
recognizable as such," they say. "By embracing the consideration of time,
the design response examines the pinnacles of architecture and design
throughout history. It recreates original elements that extract and expand
upon qualities of substance, inspired by those that are proven to span
the test of time." Organized in three levels, the house comprises a steam
room, gym, pool and parking—among other spaces—in the basement.
e ground floor is home to the public areas including a veranda, formal
living room, wine room, kitchen, dining room, entertainment room,
study, mudroom, and terrace with a grand staircase that connects to the
upper level, which hosts three bedrooms, a master suite, another veranda
and a vegetable garden.
Original details such as curved cornices, arched doors, and custom
steel fireplaces bring charm to the spaces and perfectly match the
Victorian design from the front of the house. "When designing within
a period building we feel it is important to understand and incorporate
the motivations of the client who has sought out this type of home," the
team adds. "As contemporary designers, we believe that the alternative
is to reinterpret the original idea in a way that is equally appropriate to
the period building and even more relevant to modern use. We look for
ways of reducing the ornamental details to their fundamental core
