Well, what do you know… Hecker Guthrie have done it again. Which, by the way, I realise is hardly a news-worthy opening statement, because we’ve all come to expect nothing but stupidly beautiful, highly resolved and inspiring interiors from this formidable Melbourne design practice, and this project is no exception.

With the aim to celebrate the heritage of the grand Victorian building, Hecker Guthrie stripped back this former men’s retirement home to reveal beautiful historical details. By reinstating the original, highly detailed ornaments such as ceiling roses and stained glass windows, the home was brought a little closer to its former glory.

Designed as a family home made to last, the Victorian gem was full of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. Once the red carpet was removed, the original Baltic pine floorboards were revealed, while false ceilings came down to lift the height of the rooms throughout. “It was integral that the uncovered existing architecture along with its mouldings were treated with sensitivity that began by celebrating the Victorian style,” explains the design team.

Hecker Guthrie endeavoured to create a seamless connection between the original front part of the house and the sixties extension, but also made this addition evident by utilising contemporary design methodology to the rear of the home. Minimal walls were removed in the front to treat the original bones with respectful sensitivity. The spaces were designed around the given layout. By reinstating the original, highly detailed ornaments such as ceiling roses and stained glass windows, the home was brought a little closer to its original self.

The atrium was designed to be the heart of the home where natural light pours through the newly added skylight into each of the living spaces. This atrium was a contemporary take on the classic idea of a sunroom, tiled floor inclusive. The take on joinery was to create understated but highly detailed elements that would either blend in with the space or appeared as freestanding pieces of furniture.

Just as I thought Hecker Guthrie’s work couldn’t get any more special, Prahran Residence proves that these guys aren’t the ones to ever rest of their laurels, but rather tirelessly and diligently continue to push themselves to produce outstanding work, and explore new aesthetic possibilities with effortless elegance and grace. Respect.

[Images courtesy of Hecker Guthrie. Photography by Shannon McGrath.]