Shell House

Located on a highly unusual site in the heart of bohemian Northcote, this three-storey residence was once a two-storey medical centre that had been developed in the 90s. The brief here was for a three-bedroom house with an open plan kitchen and living room, a wine cellar and a study. The large existing garage was to be retained as a garage workshop. Taking full advantage of the interesting spatial opportunities of the original building, the design concept is a box within a box. The internal box, containing a wine store and bathroom at ground level and a mezzanine lounge above, is clad in Tasmanian Oak to give it a rarefied appearance. Perforated timber softens the acoustics and light, contrasting the stark white walls of the surrounding larger box. Two bedrooms are also located on the lower level, connected to the kitchen, dining area and adjacent roof terrace via a ‘folded’ timber staircase.

Entry to the house is directly off the street into a 7m high space featuring a Japanese Maple and a full height north facing window that illuminates the interior. The first floor study has internal views over the soaring entry space, as well as the street below via a deep bay window seat, while the private master suite with rooftop views is accessible via a discrete staircase behind the kitchen. Internal materials include polished concrete, timber and white walls providing a refined backdrop to an interior defined by voluminous spaces, dynamic light and intriguing views.