St Vincent, Albert Park.

Replacing a poorly executed 90’s add-on to a stately Victorian house, the proposed extension at St Vincent Place wraps itself around the perimeter of the site, opening internally to a quiet internal courtyard. Inspiration was drawn from traditional Japanese courtyard buildings to address privacy concerns, where-by the external façade of the addition presents a solid interface as protection. The interface with the original house has been intentionally limited and the connections between old and new carefully considered to respond to both the brief and the sensitivities of the Heritage nature of the original house.

The external façade is balanced internally with expansive glazing opening onto the courtyard. High ceilings combined with a minimal material palette internally create a timeless open space of grand proportions. Protected on 3 sides by built form, and enclosed by landscaping border on the other, the courtyard is designed to take on its own sense of place, attention is drawn to the sky and its reflection in the pool. A contemplative mood is intended and enhanced by expansive stretches of landscaped garden. St Vincent Place creates appropriate connection between the original building and its addition, injecting textured materials and neutral tones to tie together the past and future.