Away from public view, this project is an exercise in modernism that embodies the hidden character experienced within Melbourne’s inner city. Drawing from Eastern philosophies of being at one with nature, we aimed to create a secluded home with a strong connection to its garden. Service areas such as garage, laundry, water tanks and storage are buried below ground to make land available for private open space. Behind boundary walls, the living zones of the new extension are defined by a black frame with sliding glass panels blurring the boundary between the garden and the living space within. Further containment of the site was created by wrapping the garden with a high fence and screen trees to create a secure and private open setting. The interiors have a restrained palette of natural materials to enhance the connection with nature. The defining mass of the building sits as an elevated screened container, positioned to conceal the view of adjacent buildings beyond and protect the urban sanctuary within.

1. BALDASSO CORTESE
East Melbourne Residence
Urban Sanctuary
www.bcarch.net
Follow us on Twitter @BaldassoCortese

2. Away from public view, this project is an exercise in modernism that
embodies the hidden character experienced within Melbourne’s inner city.
Drawing from Eastern philosophies of being at one with nature, we aimed
to create a secluded home with a strong connection to its garden.
Service areas such as garage, laundry, water tanks and storage are buried
below ground to make land available for private open space. Behind
boundary walls, the living zones of the new extension are defined by a
black frame with sliding glass panels blurring the boundary between the
garden and the living space within. Further containment of the site was
created by wrapping the garden with a high fence and screen trees to
create a secure and private open setting. The interiors have a restrained
palette of natural materials to enhance the connection with nature.
The defining mass of the building sits as an elevated screened container,
positioned to conceal the view of adjacent buildings beyond and protect
the urban sanctuary within.
Case Study
East Melbourne Residence
Urban Sanctuary

3. The challenge was to create a private urban sanctuary within
a dense urban context. The existing Victorian residence was
restored to maintain the character of the streetscape.
A Elevated, screened bedroom pavilion
B Enclosing walls for privacy
C Main living area integrated with
outdoor spaces
D Basement garage and service areas
A
B
C
D
The challenge was to create a
private urban sanctuary within
a dense urban context. The
existing Victorian residence
was restored to maintain the
character of the streetscape.
A Elevated, screened bedroom pavilion
B Enclosing walls for privacy
C Main living area integrated with outdoor spaces
D Basement garage and service areas

4. Building EnvelopeLouvre Screen
Victorian Motif
38 39

8. BALDASSO CORTESE
www.bcarch.net
Follow us on Twitter @BaldassoCortese