Victoria
Sculpted by ornamental qualities of its site and locale, Tiara House is a spirited addition to a late 1800s Victorian terrace in Melbourne’s inner north. The double-storey dwelling, which overlooks the historic parklands of Edinburgh Gardens, inspired FMD Architects to embrace a sentimental approach, offering a poetic response to place grounded by amenity and liveability.
The addition’s southern orientation inspired FMD Architects to pursue connections to the landscape, drawing in layered gradients of natural light. A curved aperture frames an ephemeral garden, combining native, cottage and Mediterranean plant species, honouring layers of history. Above, a floating veil of timber battens shrouds the upper level, its sweeping and tiered form referencing Edinburgh Gardens’ historic rotunda and the home’s decorative character. This ‘tiara’ form offers a sense of embellishment to the area’s otherwise blank Victorian rear façades, offering a new language of adornment for the residents and their neighbours to delight in.
Living in the house is constantly interesting, the design creates great light, plays with the curved shapes and is a warm and delightful space. Friends and family enjoy the open plan living, kitchen and dining space for entertaining, with the kitchen as its soul. It’s a great house, we enjoy the connection between the original house and the new design. The bathrooms are like jewel boxes. The master bedroom is relaxing, serene and peaceful. It is an ideal space to work from home, and we feel happy and lucky to have this lovely design to live in and appreciate.
Alice Edmonds, Project Architect
Fiona Dunin, Design Architect
Jayme Collins, Project Architect
Oscar Eltringham-Smith, Assistant
Paul Evans, Design Detailer
Blue Lotus, ESD Consultant
FORM Engineers, Structural Engineer
Jo Ferguson Garden Design, Landscape Consultant
RedTextas, Building Surveyor
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.
