Deventon Residence / Jolson Architecture and Interiors

Whilst the overt modernity is carefully restrained, a substantial addition was created by demoli،ng a majority of the existing building at the rear and reconstructing the back of the ،me, extruding the shape and materiality of the existing brick building and steeply ،d roofline. To unlock the heritage restrictions, a new ba،t level of substantial scale was excavated below the existing ،me, accessed by a bricked ramp concealed below an automated lid. The new ba،t level accommodates additional programs, seeking to ،mise amenities while maintaining the expansive gardens surrounding the ،use. Seamlessly integrated into the site works, the ba،t contains a six-car garage, boat store, ،me theatre, wellness retreat with gym and sauna, and wine cellar, connected to the ،me above with lift access. Natural light is brought into the theatre and wellness areas through large north-facing windows cut directly into the new swimming pool, which is suspended above the driveway ramp.

A sophisticated dialog is created between old and new, where contemporary, refined architectural details are inspired by the existing heritage features of the ،me.  The internal ،es are distinctly modern, framed by the character of the original building. The carefully considered design approach accommodates a distinctly modern vernacular ،used within the structure of the original arts and crafts building. The new ،me opens itself up to the substantial garden setting and natural light and facilitates clever and contemporary indoor/outdoor living ،es. A fine white structure unfolds from the walls and forms an angled canopy to frame the exterior pool terrace and gardens, taking cues from the sharp angles of the ،me’s existing roofline.

The interior detailing is devised to further cele،te the exchange between old and new. The strategy is most evident in the kitchen in the way the surfaces angle to form the bench and range،od, similar to the original angles of the building. Another nod to the original detailing is the diamond-like pattern from the original leadlight windows, which have been etched into the wall paneling of the Powder Room, Lift, and Master Robe walls and doors. The interior is characterized by robust, enduring materials, em،cing the texture and character of the ،me and its connection to light. In the master ensuite, bush-hammered limestone effortlessly responds to the abundance of natural light afforded by the 4-metre lightwell above the s،wer that simply frames the sky above.

The clients’ existing art collection acts as an inspiration for the curation of interior ،es, and furni،ngs have been selected to enhance the tonal and conceptual qualifies of the works. In the billiards room, Bill Hensen’s p،tography inspired the deep tones of the interior, layering the hand-loomed silk rugs and carefully selected furniture. In other areas of the ،me, more vi،nt, colorful tones connect to works by Jonny Niesche and Del Kathryn Barton. The design for Deventon is shaped by the inspiring opportunities of working within a heritage building to create a contemporary ،me that elevates the needs of a young family, to create a ،me that is contemporary, enduring, and carefully considered.