Here, the standard house layout of cells and corridors has been subverted. Using height, sliding walls, voids and openings, the volume of the rooms are blurred, fluid and flexible. Despite being narrow and stacked, the home never feels cramped as spaces are designed to merge into others in various and sometimes surprising configurations. The house engages with the occupants in fun and dynamic ways. Union is an example of people literally living on top of each other, and making that part of the joy of the house, rather than a problem. However that’s just the beginning of the story. Union is a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom family house with a study, a basement rumpus room, a roof deck and a carport. A couple with three energetic teenage boys asked for a robust family home they could live in ‘forever’. Located in Brunswick, Melbourne, Union is a playful, multi level new home, sited on a narrow 5.5 metre wide block. Regardless, both the owners and ourselves wanted to retain a piece of the home’s former life. Whilst it was a quaint cottage with a lovely facade, there was no stipulation to keep or protect it. Union House is a place of memory, a home the family had lived in for years. Demolishing a building and erasing history is far too easy. Memory is important and heritage can be lots of fun.
Union is an entirely new house, which has retained, restored and incorporated the beloved original cottage facade, despite no heritage overlays or council requirement.
The dutch gable of the original home is an identical copy of its eastern neighbour. This is an intervention that directly layers one epoch on top another. This is not a quiet and unassuming building, cowering in the back yard. “We can all see you” the neighbourhood says, as Union spills over its original facade. What happens when you put Austin Maynard Architects together with a family of five vibrant and dynamic people with diverse interests, a huge bag of enthusiasm and endless creative suggestions. Close to an array of quality public and private schools, “Tigh na Bruaich” also has Union Road and Puckle Street shops and cafes, tram, train, bus, Highpoint shopping and entertainment complex, Maribyrnong River parklands, and sporting facilities nearby.The Dezeen Awards 2020, ‘Longlist’ - ‘Urban House Project’Īt Austin Maynard Architects, we typically throw a lot of playful ideas for our clients to pick from but at Union House we’d met our match. The rear garden includes at its centre a majestic peppercorn tree, raised garden beds with inbuilt seating, lilly pilly and olive trees, and slate water feature. There is also off-street parking for up to three vehicles. The basement level includes the double garage, water tanks for garden use, and the timber-lined gym. Extras include hydronic heating, reverse-cycle airconditioning, ceiling fans, polished floorboards, plantation shutters, roman blinds, double glazing, wine cellar and excellent storage. The sash window in the bathroom provides access to the lacework-adorned balcony, which captures views of the Maribyrnong Valley and beyond to the Macedon Ranges. The other two top-level bedrooms share the walk-in linen press and family bathroom with glass-framed shower, contemporary freestanding bath, floating vanity and toilet. Back in the foyer and the sweeping staircase ascends to the mid-level main bedroom, which includes an en suite featuring a clawfoot bath, toilet and vanity. It includes two bedrooms, rumpus room that opens to the deck, spa bathroom, and a laundry that could incorporate a kitchenette. There is scope for intergenerational living in the rear extension, which features a separate side entrance. The light-filled kitchen incorporates quality stainless-steel appliances (900mm Ilve double oven with four -burner gas cooktop with grill plate, Smeg canopy rangehood and Bosch dishwasher), rounded black granite benchtops, timber cabinets and dual pantries. The leadlight entry opens to the wide hall, formal lounge and dining rooms, library, kitchen and dining domain with Tuscan columns, and family room that opens to the covered deck for year-round entertaining. Once inside, multiple living areas provide versatility and simple pleasures. Proudly exhibiting the best of yesteryear and 21st century living, the double-storey dwelling is nestled behind an 80-year-old cypress pine hedge and pristine gardens. “Tigh na Bruaich” (Gaelic for ‘The house on the hill’) was built to last on bluestone foundations on the 1012sqm block in 1884. Exuding style and substance in equal measure, this landmark Victorian Italianate residence on Rothwell Hill delivers for families on every level.
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