EASTOP ARCHITECTS learns and works on the land of the Wurundjeri People.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians as the first place makers on this land.
We pay our respect to their care and knowledge of this special country and culture.
Located in Melbourne’s inner-north, Fitzroy House is an addition to a single-fronted terrace on a compact site, designed to accommodate a growing family whilst providing a sense of space and openness.
The addition takes shape as a predominantly masonry form, its two-storey volume wrapped in brickwork, providing shelter and protection from the noise and activity of inner-city living.
Spaces are both open and internalised, with natural light and internal gardens forming integral aspects of the design. Textured surfaces and hit-and-miss masonry walls create a shifting dialogue between light, shadow and enclosure, producing varying moods and sensory experiences throughout the dwelling.
Storage and function play an important role in ensuring each space responds to the needs of everyday life. The design has evolved through in-depth discussions around priorities of use, balancing practical requirements with spatial generosity, materiality and atmosphere.