The New Old

The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

THE NEW OLD

Jessica Liew

ARCHITECTS
Jessica Liew

PHOTOGRAPHS
Jaime Diaz-Berrio, Jessica Liew

AREA
360.0 m²

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Australia

CATEGORY
Houses, Houses Interiors

Text description provided by architect.

A house that maximizes a relatively small 385m² site in inner city Melbourne, providing bright but private living spaces.

The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

There is simple, relaxed feel about this house, loaded with character from the natural materials used including concrete, recycled tumbled bricks and hardwood timber.

These provide an honesty and rawness so rarely seen these days - an antithesis to the glitz, luxe and glamour often seen in popular magazine and tv programs.

The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

To the architect/owner, the aim was to build a relaxed, private home that was energy efficient, practical and imbued with character from the all-natural materials used - complementing their extensive collection of art and antiquities from their travels.

The result is remarkable. A home that has outwitted even other architects who have mistaken it for a renovation, rather than a newly-built dwelling on what was previously the neighbors tennis court.

ACCOMMODATION

double storey dwelling comprising formal living, library, cellar, study, casual living and dining, separate laundry, rumpus, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 3 car accommodation.

The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

6 star energy rated: double glazed windows and skylights, double hung ceilings, double insulated stud walls,reverse brick veneer walls, underground water tank, hydronic slab heating, recycled bricks, custom double height pile wool carpet, regenerative hardwood timbers throughout.

Switchable' spaces including a study turning into a guest bedroom (murphy bed); rumpus or second study on level 1; and studio or 3rd bedroom upstairs.

A courtyard sized to a car space for future additional parking requirement. Hidden storage and joinery throughout.

The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio
The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio

Custom steel framed glass pivot doors replacing a conventional front door, the recessed floor mat is the only give away.

Antique Chinese screen doors framing the fishpond corridor , mural by celebrated Melbourne street artists Ghostpatrol and Miso; retention of the original chain wire mesh tennis court fencing and tennis court roller; all rooms feature a garden, fishpond or courtyard aspect.

HONESTY

respect and transparency for all natural materials used - predominant palette comprising black concrete, white painted tumbled bricks and natural timber finish waiting to age with the house.

The New Old
© Jaime Diaz-Berrio


The New Old
© Jessica Liew
The New Old
© Jessica Liew


The New Old
Ground Plan
The New Old
First Floor Plan