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Returning to the geographic wellspring of what we’ve dubbed Marvellous Migrant Modern Melbourne! Today, we are thrilled to get a peek at a super glam do-up of a local landmark.
This post-war townhouse, within a complex of two, was designed and constructed around Melbourne’s bold Olympic blush of 1956, where newly arrived faces with dynamic minds began to carve out their own place in the city. Though the architect as is as yet unknown, this startling example of international modernist architecture built for European sensibilities was purchased by the present owner from the original ten years ago. They immediately set to work on a renovation that would marry contemporary elements with a celebration of local heritage.
Beginning with the oft overlooked grit of rewiring, plumbing and a demolition of a tired 80s kitchen, they turned up the dial on the light-filled and generous spaces with new cork, bold tile, crafted joinery and lovely furniture pieces. Each decision guided by the mid-century motifs and materials of the original residence, from the triangular etchings in the entry doors to the daring pop of colour in the stairwell.
Underpinning it all is the lifestyle of a city-dweller. This is a home to gather friends (one day soon people, hold on!) to enjoy the sun at all hours, as well as becoming a soundproof nest for quiet Sunday comedowns or an easy Tuesday meal.
As such, it is a real ‘townhouse’. Its utilisation of space, material and design offers an elegant, medium-density option for a lifetime, a far cry from so many plaster and foam, profit-driven piles of thoughtlessness we see filling the spaces of once huge, green, urban allotments.
So, kudos to the owner and their vision, for we know this long-awaited appreciation and respect for such historical brilliance now grows steadily by the day.
2/5 Norwood Road, Caulfield North will be sold via auction on Sunday, October 24th at 11:00am. See the listing here.
