Imagine stepping through the doors of a century-old corner shop and finding yourself in a vibrant courtyard garden. This is the reality crafted by Kister Architects as they transformed a 1910 Melbourne shop into a serene family sanctuary for architect Ilana Kister and her daughters.
Nestled at the intersection of Murray and York streets in Prahran, the original plot of this iconic “milk bar” was expanded by acquiring an adjacent site. This addition created space for a lush garden, integrated into the innovative design of the 287-square-metre home.
Preserving the shop’s original charm was crucial. The facade and distinctive bottle-green tiles were maintained, while street-facing windows were modernized with glass bricks. These bricks artfully preserve the building’s rhythm, allowing light to permeate while ensuring privacy.
A verdant transformation
The original entrance leads directly to a plant-filled courtyard, a pivotal feature of the renovation. “Entering through the old milk bar door places you right in the garden,” explained Kister. This green space acts as a natural buffer between the lively street and the indoor sanctuary beyond.
Explore Hampstead Home’s unique integration of living spaces with nature, offering inspiration for garden-centric design.
Green roofing, vertical gardens, and strategically placed plant screens echo this garden-centric theme throughout the home. “No matter where you stand, you can see something growing,” Kister notes.
The interior boasts a white perforated steel staircase illuminated by triangular skylights, linking the home’s three stories. Warm oak envelops floors, walls, and ceilings, complementing the calming mossy-green carpets found on the second floor.
Seamless indoor-outdoor living
Upstairs, three bedrooms, an en-suite, and a family bathroom share the space with a cozy living area. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in, enhancing this connection with nature.
The third floor houses a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that opens onto a silvertop ash deck, revealing sweeping views of Melbourne’s treetops and skyline.
The home does not shy away from luxury with its expansive backyard garden, complete with an outdoor seating area, decking, and a swimming pool—perfect for family gatherings and relaxation.
This project is among the standout renovations recently highlighted on architecture platforms, joining the ranks with works by notable studios like Jos Tan and Studio Bright. Explore this unique blend of heritage and modernity through the lens of photographer Peter Bennetts.
Sources & Links
Source: dezeen.com