By integrating the Libreria del Vino into this narrative, the project underscores how exceptional design objects can elevate a space beyond the expected.
Fiona Lynch’s River House is a masterclass in materiality, seamlessly blending historical restoration with contemporary interventions. This 1930s Georgian revival home in Melbourne has been thoughtfully rejuvenated, honouring the vision of original architect Marcus Martin while embracing modern craftsmanship and design. Among these standout features, the incorporation of the Libreria del Vino by Elite To Be introduces a sculptural yet functional element, further enhancing the project’s dialogue between past and present.
Elite To Be is a brand celebrated for its ability to merge refined craftsmanship with innovative, sustainable design. Their Libreria del Vino is a prime example of this ethos, reimagining wine storage as an architectural statement. Made from laser-cut steel, the modular shelving system is designed to hold bottles horizontally, transforming a simple utility into a striking visual display. Its open, geometric framework allows for a sense of weightlessness while maintaining structural integrity, making it an ideal fit for River House’s refined yet materially rich interior.
In River House, the Libreria del Vino finds its place within the intimate cellar lounge - a space conceived as a retreat, balancing the warmth of natural materials with a sculptural sense of form. The interplay of darkened metal against the tactile richness of the home’s custom stonework and timber panelling amplifies the sense of contrast that defines Fiona Lynch’s approach to the project.
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Throughout the home, materials take centre stage. The kitchen’s bold geometries are defined by a robust travertine and verdant Tugela marble island, its upturned half-bullnose surface complementing cool stainless-steel joinery. Bathrooms embrace an unconventional patchwork of stones, inspired by the Italian tradition of repairing damaged surfaces with mis-matched yet harmoniously arranged materials. The stairwell reimagines its balustrade with a sculpted plaster curve, while lavender-hued quartzite steps lead the way to a powder room wrapped in the same distinctive stone.
Elsewhere, timber plays a grounding role. Wide oak floorboards provide continuity, while wire-brushed oak wall panels introduce subtle texture, their silvery-grey finish catching the light. Door frames and skirting further this material conversation, with oversized trims in mis-matched woodgrains reinforcing the home’s ethos of embracing natural variation.
The River House restoration is as much about reinvention as it is about preservation. The addition of a new glass pavilion, inspired by Mies van der Rohe, extends the home’s connection to its verdant surrounds, while a brass canopy introduces a rich metallic accent that resonates with the Libreria del Vino’s industrial elegance. Within this carefully composed environment, Fiona Lynch achieves a balance between raw and refined, structured and fluid, ensuring that each material not only contributes to the home’s visual impact but also to its enduring functionality.
Pictured: Flos Snoopy Table Lamp and Herman Miller Eames Aluminium Group Management Armchair
By integrating the Libreria del Vino into this narrative, the project underscores how exceptional design objects can elevate a space beyond the expected. More than just a wine storage solution, it becomes a sculptural focal point—one that resonates with the River House philosophy of slow-crafted, enduring beauty.
Designer: Fiona Lynch
Photographer: Sharyn Cairns
