South Australia
The layered nature of any heritage home is ultimately what makes its preservation so important. MG House – being one of the few of its style remaining in Adelaide – retained the memory of its past in so many ways and integrating reminders of that delicacy and filigree through a contemporary lens, became the focus. In crafting the interior to both connect and flow from inside-out, the curation and detailing of every element carries forward an homage to the past, emphasising a timelessness.
Opening up and reorienting the entry to the rear ensures the experience of the home (one that is light-filled and calm), is immediately present and all-consuming. Framed views and openings connect to the landscape, enriching a sense of seclusion. Throughout, personalised moments connect directly with the owners and the activities they love, while maintaining a sense of scale and grace.
Award for Interior Architecture
MG House embodies a delicate and respectful approach to the renovation of a historical terrace, seamlessly blending old with new. Working within the building’s original footprint and subtracting only a small portion of the existing structure, the addition to the home’s rear elevation works hard as the junction between inside and out; upstairs and down.
Glazed floor to ceiling sliding doors open the finely detailed kitchen to the client’s beloved rear garden. A practical split-level entry provides generous and gentle vertical circulation, unlocking the home’s internal programming and allowing optimal redistribution of space.
Internal walls have been strategically punctured, providing a procession of interconnected spaces. This reveals distant views and allows daylight to permeate through the length of the home.
A subtle and refined interior palette of soft grey stone, rich timbers and patinated brass enhance the home’s inherent charm.
MG House stands as a testament to Williams Burton Leopardi’s masterful design sensibilities and commitment to honouring the past while embracing the future.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
