Newtown House delicately preserves an emotional connection to an existing house, while enhancing the house’s connection to its site. Originally belonging to one of the client’s parents, nostalgia and fondness for the old house needed to be considered when bringing the house up to the standards and requirements of modern life. With a spectacular view over the Barwon River valley and Newtown parklands, designers felt that the 1960s house needed to amplify its engagement with its surrounding landscape.
Retaining the mid-century essence of the house was at the crux of the design and Hindley & Co Studio sought to pay homage to its charm and quirks with any new interventions. Formally a modest house with some interesting mid-century detailing, such as the windows, fireplace and inbuilt joinery, some of the spaces within the house were less desirable, such as the very small, dark and utilitarian rooms with small windows. they have both retained and drawn inspiration from the best aspects of the old house, and the new house is more generous, contemporary and comfortable.
On the interior designers used their clean architectural shadow lines, timber paneling and painted brickwork. Inspired by the mid-century style, the taste of the client was aligned with a Scandinavian aesthetic. This results in a light, fresh and airy house that is fitting in the semi-urban setting.(Published with Bowerbird).
Photography : Tatjana Plitt
