Kooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture

Kooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - DoorKooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - DoorKooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - Table, Chair, Lighting, BeamKooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - FacadeKooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - More Images+ 14

Melbourne, Australia

Text description provided by the architects. The brief for the renovation of this boom style double fronted Victorian home in Armadale originally called for full demolition. However, upon witnessing the possibilities of the existing dwelling the client was encouraged to retain & restore the front section with the potential that it could enable the project as a whole to provoke a richer response when co-aligned with a newer intervention.

Kooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - Facade
© SMG

Given the depth of the site and a client request for sheltered outdoor space a decision was made to separate rather than attach the new works at the rear. This availed a strip of north facing external space between old & new ‘pavilions’. The placement and articulation of which was fundamental to injecting interest within the spatial experience of the home.

Kooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - Table, Countertop, Chair
© SMG

The end result follows a story of 2 ‘pavilions’ - at the front the restoration of the existing grander section of the Victorian building and at the rear a new contemporary double storey addition. Both are seemingly separate yet connected via a metaphorical bridge that traverses the courtyard area - acting as a powerful interstitial space mediating the two buildings and history . 

Kooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - Door
© SMG

This glazed bridge transforms through the seasons. In the colder months it performs as an enclosed way and umbilical chord between the buildings. On warmer days it may open up to become external, helping to extend the floor plate of the courtyards for gatherings and sheltered outdoor dining . Doors at either end allow flexibility to open up or close down sections of the house as required. The courtyards also serve to the break up the house into 3 strong programmatic zones –existing structure as master quarters & Drawing room, newer ground floor for living quarters and children’s quarters upstairs.

Kooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture - Image 19 of 19

Project gallery

See allShow less
About this office
Cite: "Kooyong Residence / Matt Gibson Architecture" 22 Jun 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/246432/kooyong-residence-matt-gibson-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.