Simplicity & Integrity :: the Victorian Terrace of an architectural duo

This is the terrace home of Stephen O'Connor and Annick Houle,

the life + work duo from O'Connor + Houle Architecture,

perhaps best known around this town for their work

on the quietly atmospheric Heide Museum of Modern Art.

And because their home is on the market,

we can take a peek inside.

But before we step inside,

let's just go back to the front gate.

Because in this carefully balanced composition,

the word calm springs to mind.

Far from the business which a Victorian terrace can have,

this restrained & muted palette,

with the stillness of the cloud topiary,

suggests that this home will be a restful one.

And it is.

Satin finished timbers,

with an emphasis on texture, not colour,

speak of a living room which is home to a family

who value their home as a place of repose and retreat.

It's very much a 19th century terrace,

with high ceilings, generous skirtings & cornices,

but rather than feeling "modernised" it feels more distilled,

as if the home has just evolved with modern family life over the decades.

(For example, look at the fringing on the rug.

If it had a crisp, hard modern bound edge 

it would contrast with the age of the building. 

Instead, it gently references it. 

The fringe is of course unnecessary,

just as the intricate ceiling plaster rose is: it has no practical function.

Yet they both add a layer of detail, 

which adds to the richness of the space.)

So what do you think?

Is it a home which has retained the integrity of the original architecture,

but melded that essence with today's love of light

and more simple ornament?

And would you love to live here?

property location :: 48 st vincent place north, albert park, melbourne

agents details + images :: marshall white

verandah & armoire images :: o'connor + houle architecture