The Clifton Hill Courtyard House demonstrates careful consideration for visual connections between living spaces. Creating zones for different ages through an understanding of spatial thresholds and planning, the home also successfully engages with the courtyard greenery and garden studio.
Through Clifton Hill Courtyard House, Eliza Blair Architecture have introduced a contemporary, light-filled extension to a double-fronted weatherboard worker’s cottage. Located in Melbourne’s north, Eliza Blair Architecture came together with interior design practice Studio MKN, to completely transform an existing family home. The new spatial layout accommodates the family’s desire for flexibility and growth, featuring a new double-storey garden studio, central amenities, courtyard, and master suite.
Architect Eliza Blair worked closely with Studio MKN to transform the interior and rear of a double-fronted weatherboard cottage into a dynamic family home to accommodate the needs of a growing family. The brief called for a range of spaces for different ages and household needs; purposefully adaptable as well as smart space planning to maximise on a somewhat restricted footprint. Creating space to accommodate a growing family, with open areas young twin boys can play and a private accommodation for guests. The project’s key challenges included a narrow site with a south street frontage and the family’s desire to explore future-proofing within the home’s spatial configurations.
Pictured: Slab Dining Table, Slab Side Chair, Press Vase, Press Large Bowl,Backenzahn Stool, Grand Sofa, Crosshatch Lounge Chair and Eames Walnut Stool
The architectural response was to introduce a garden studio with an ensuite, mezzanine and the flexibility to accommodate a teenage retreat, home office, gym or storage. The studio is nestled within the courtyard with access to the adjacent laneway. Along with the landscaping and greenery provided by the courtyard, the deciduous bottle brush tree is a central visual feature of the residence, changing colour between seasons.
Taking full advantage of the outdoor space was a fundamental design decision to flood the communal living spaces with natural light while subsequently building on biophilic benefits through the visual connection to the greenery and landscaped spaces.
Pictured: Eames Walnut Stool, Crosshatch Lounge Chair, Atollo Table Lamp and Grand Sofa
For the interior elements, a muted, natural material palette grounds the building within the surrounding greenery. The bricks, paired with the timber flooring and shiplap whitewash timber ceiling, soften the home’s interior, providing a cohesive, modern, and calm backdrop for the family’s life, art and furniture.
The kitchen is clad in striking Signorino Bianco Neve terrazo. At the bar, colour complimentary Muuto Nerd bar stools in oak are featured, a staple in any minimalist space. With its unique yet simple Scandinavian look, Nerd is a quirky yet sleek take on the conventional bar stool. The inviting dining setting showcases Tom Dixon Slab dining table and chairs. With a haunchy aspect and poise translated into a chair and table set, each piece has generous proportions, solid materiality and is softened with a gentle radius edge. Together, the Slab dining table and chairs create a beautiful and sophisticated dining area that is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying family meals. The simplicity of the design allows it to blend seamlessly with any interior decor, while the quality of the materials ensures that it will last for years to come.
Pictured left: Nerd Bar Stool and Ridge Vase | Pictured right: Press Large Bowl, Slab Dining Table and Slab Side Chair
Given the constraints of the project footprint, space planning was carefully considered. By creating defined kitchen, dining, and living room spaces within the one open space, Studio MKN was able to maximise the functionality. With a little planning and creativity, the divided zones that serve different purposes, making it feel larger and more organised.
Creating a defined living room space within the common area, the Vitra Grand three-seater sofa acts as a space divider, while continuing the cohesive colour palette. This was paired with the Herman Miller Eames Walnut stool, Geiger Crosshatch lounge chair and a painting by Greg Wood.
The Clifton Hill Courtyard House demonstrates careful consideration for visual connections between living spaces, allowing the family to feel a sense of independence and intimacy.
Design: Eliza Blair Architecture & Studio MKN
Interior Design: Studio MKN
Photography: Shannon McGrath
Pictured: Eames Walnut Stool, Crosshatch Lounge Chair and Atollo Table Lamp
