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Located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, this unique space is bursting with contemporary design that skilfully preserves the history of the existing Edwardian home, originally built in 1915.

The family of this home was set on retaining the period detailing of the existing house while also injecting into it the functionality of modern living. The architects set out to mould different qualities of space in different areas of the house. Steven Whiting, Director of Whiting Architects says: “Any new addition evident from the outside was kept deliberately modest; tackled as if the new had been inserted into the existing building and implying that they could be slid out again if the family decided to move.”

The kitchen became the core around which the rest of the structure revolved. Due to the size of the family and with the knowledge that the kitchen would be heavily used, the architects chose materials that were durable and required low maintenance: timber, concrete, stone and ceramic. Whiting says: “The kitchen is the heart of the home and an area for all to congregate. Tucked below the upstairs children’s playroom, it creates a more intimate feel with a lower ceiling height compared to the soaring ceilings of the family room. From this focal point, visual access to key areas was considered to create a measured balance of privacy and engagement.

The unique space incorporates Fisher & Paykel appliances which enhance the social aspect of kitchen design. As a close family of six, it was important that they had a space in which they could socialise with one another. The intuitive and spacious appliances are great for big families who want the appliances to do the hard work for them and allow them to focus on entertaining or spending time with family. By having an open plan kitchen with distributed appliances, the space can easily become more sociable.

Mark Elmore, General Manager, Design, Fisher & Paykel says: “More people are moving into the kitchen. At parties, rather than just sitting and watching the theatre unfold, the guest is picking up the wooden spoon and giving the pot a stir. It is now a team effort. Fisher & Paykel calls this “The Social Kitchen” philosophy and it remains at the forefront of the trends influencing modern interior design and construction. As an appliance innovator, it is our role to continue our active collaboration with architects, developers, designers, and specifiers to ensure our products continue to meet their needs as well as those of our customers.”

Josie Somerville, Design Coordinator and Project Lead, Whiting Architects says: “The owners love to cook and often host dinners for extended family, so they wanted high quality, hardworking appliances which is why the Fisher & Paykel appliances are so fitting. We wanted to play down the look of the kitchen so the need for functional appliances that blended seamlessly into our design was paramount – Fisher & Paykel appliances do just that”

By incorporating Fisher & Paykel’s premium appliances into this space, the architects were able to deliver the modern look that the clients were after while still maintaining the Edwardian style of the house. Products like the freestanding cooker respect the history of the house while providing the practical volume needed for cooking for a large family.

 

The floating stairs above the kitchen are intended to remain deliberately discreet. The architects decided to highlight this action by creating a sculptural section of floating stair which hangs above the main hallway offering a hint of new work to come. Whiting says: “This moment of architectural expression offers clarity of concept: a confluence of new and old, creating intrigue and offering a visceral connection to activity within the house. For newcomers we hope to inspire a process of discovery. Glimpsing interesting elements and obtaining views through to unexpected spaces as well as encourage curiosity and a desire to explore.”