- Interior
- Architecture & development
Australian architect Melanie Beynon and her eponymous studio are constantly looking for all kinds of ways to refine small homes and take it to a higher level. Her ambition is to allow families to live together in less space by making full use of each room. This also applies to Northcote House, where the architect has focused her approach on renovating an old house with an Edwardian architecture intended for a family of six.
We have previously written about the award-winning design and architecture studio's high-end projects such as the Toorak House and The Breakfast Room. Today, we would like to put another of its projects in the spotlight, headed by founding architect Melanie Beynon. The recent Northcote House in Melbourne is the result of a unique collaboration in which the owners themselves skilfully built the project. The Northcote House required innovative solutions, refined local materials and craftsmen who excelled at their trade. Thanks to the use of wooden interiors and exterior cedar shingles, the house exudes an ultimate cosiness that is emphasised by the changing natural light throughout the day. 
The ultimate cosiness is achieved through the use of warm materials.
The house was divided into two zones, one for the adult head and one for the children. The central living space provides a link between the two zones. This family living room is a generous space with panels on the walls made of Tasmanian oak, which forms a nice contrast to the handmade ceramic tiles from Anchor in the kitchen. In addition, the large sliding doors provide an enormous exposure to natural light and invited the family to the elevated terrace. This completely fulfilled the clients' desire to maximise natural light. The architect therefore also opted for a double-height wall, the implementation of which was carried out entirely by the owners themselves together with their trusted craftsmen. Furthermore, the door handles by the Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola and handmade paper lighting in the master bedroom reflect the owner's attention and appreciation for craftsmanship. 
In addition, Beynon offers a rich palette with rustic materials and colours. Wood took centre stage, complemented by accents of black and white. Finally, chairs such as the Roly Poly Chair designed by Faye Toogood and the Pumpkin Armchair by Ligne Roset in one of the children's rooms steal the show.
Melbourne-based design studio Melanie Beyon is known for her elegance and bespoke architecture. In the tradition of her previous award-winning work, she once again proved with Northcote House that she is worthy of her name. 
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Photography by Tom Blachfort