East St Kilda House

This distinctive house was purchased for its Spanish mission qualities, heavy masonry arches, and timber and wrought iron detailing. The new owner, a passionate builder and craftsman, with an established relationship with Meme, engaged us to re-plan and update the interior for a more relaxed family lifestyle. The insertion of new steel-framed windows and doors help to connect, open up rooms and also function to framing views through to the garden. When shut, they enclose the rooms to create warm, intimate spaces.

The warmth of the house is amplified through the use of inherent materials; a selection of fine black steel detailing, polished plaster walls, handmade Sicilian clay hexagonal floor and wall tiles. The floor, internal doors and joinery are custom designed and manufactured from solid American oak. Robust and enduring details define the tactile elements of the design and maintain the essence and original character of the house.

Key Feature
The design intent was to preserve the distinctive style of the existing Spanish mission house of heavy masonry, arches, timber and wrought iron detailing. To internally re-plan and upgrade the interior for ease of family living with elegant, enduring materials and details, while maintaining the essence and original character of the house.

Project Brief
The brief was to design a family home zoned for shared time together and private secluded time apart. The kitchen is at the heart of the house, adjoining with living, dining areas, generously open and extending through to garden. Connecting are flowing passages to private spaces for sitting, study & bedroom wings for seclusion & repose.

Architects Statement / Project Quotes
The palette of materials is deliberately restrained, featuring refined black steel to the original arches and windows, with square set white washed walls. The warmth of the house is amplified through the use of natural materials; Fumed solid oak joinery and floorboards and benchtops of chalky stone. The kitchen offers a robust freestanding oven and cooktop, evoking rituals of cooking and gathering, The bathroom is kept quiet and soothing. Floors are Slabs of Stone Jaipur are soft to eye and silky underfoot.

The backdrop of Sicilian handcrafted clay tiles bring a human touch and character to the room. The arched window glass is switchable ‘iglass’ it can be transformed from an opaque to clear…Architectural lines remain unobstructed by using a Sophisticated integrated electronic blind. “The design intention is for a timelessness and enduring elegance that builds on the character of the original house.”

Meme Design