Albert Park Black House, Melbourne Building, Australian Home, Residence, Architecture

Albert Park Black House in Melbourne

Extended Renovated Property in Victoria design by Chiverton Architects, Australia

15 Feb 2018

Albert Park Black House, Victoria,

Design: Chiverton Architects

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Albert Park Black House

Chiverton Architects were commissioned to renovate an existing heritage house and add a two storey renovation to the rear of the building that opened up the back of the house to the rear yard. The renovation had to include a new living/ dining/ kitchen space and a bedroom, walk-in-robe and bathroom upstairs.

What were the key challenges?
The key challenge was fitting the accommodation into a limited area without causing undue amenity impacts to neighbours. We also wanted to make it look cool.

What were the solutions?
The solution to the spacial planning was twisting the upper floor 90 degrees over the lower floor. Making it cool is a matter of opinion but we were hoping fro a minimal, slightly brutalist, shedlike, japan/ danish aesthetic that drew on the rear lane vibe.

Who are the clients and what’s interesting about them?
The building was owned by Kasimiersz and Lucia. Kasimiersz outlived two of his children but his last child, my client, had a plaque made that said…

“This house was purchased by Kasimiersz and Lucia in 1955. They were two displaced persons who had escaped a war torn Europe. They worked hard, found a new life and started a family. As with all of us they had successes and failures, especially in a country that was not always welcoming to foreigners. But time passed, they were accepted and they saw their lives grow and the house became a home. Their greatest achievements were their profound love for their children and the unshakable faith that all hope for the future was vested in these same children. If you are fortunate enough to live in this house I would ask that you think of those who have come before you and reflect on the love and hope that filled its rooms”.

As part of the construction Chiverton Architects reused the old shed as shuttering for an internal concrete wall so that those who were in the house might be reminded of the houses history. The plaque is on that wall.