BALDASSO CORTESE

East Melbourne ResidenceUrban Sanctuary

www.bcarch.netFollow us on Twitter @BaldassoCortese

Away from public view, this project is an exercise in modernism that embodies the hidden character experienced within Melbourne’s inner city.

Drawing from Eastern philosophies of being at one with nature, we aimed to create a secluded home with a strong connection to its garden.

Service areas such as garage, laundry, water tanks and storage are buried below ground to make land available for private open space. Behind boundary walls, theliving zones of the new extension are defined by a black frame with sliding glass panels blurring the boundary between the garden and the living space within. Further containment of the site was created by wrapping the garden with a high fence and screen trees to create a secure and private open setting. The interiors have a restrained palette of natural materials to enhance the connection with nature.

The defining mass of the building sits as an elevated screened container, positioned to conceal the view of adjacent buildings beyond and protect the urban sanctuary within.

Case StudyEast Melbourne ResidenceUrban Sanctuary

The challenge was to create a private urban sanctuary within a dense urban context. The existing Victorian residence was restored to maintain the character of the streetscape.

A Elevated, screened bedroom pavilion

B Enclosing walls for privacy

C Main living area integrated with outdoor spaces

D Basement garage and service areas

A

B

C

D

The challenge was to create a private urban sanctuary within a dense urban context. The existing Victorian residence was restored to maintain the character of the streetscape.

A Elevated, screened bedroom pavilionB Enclosing walls for privacyC Main living area integrated with outdoor spacesD Basement garage and service areas

Building EnvelopeLouvre Screen

Victorian Motif

38 39

BALDASSO CORTESE

www.bcarch.netFollow us on Twitter @BaldassoCortese