Peek House A Blend of Victorian Charm and Contemporary Design

Peek House, crafted by Kuzman Architecture, stands as a testament to the seamless integration of Victorian heritage and modern architectural elements in Brunswick, Melbourne.

Conceptualizing the Transformation

The essence of Peek House lies in its transformation from a Victorian cottage into a contemporary dwelling while preserving its original charm. The design philosophy aimed to juxtapose old-world charm with modern aesthetics, blending elements of roughness with smoothness and darkness with light.

Addressing Architectural Challenges

The original cottage, with two front bedrooms and an internalized living room, presented challenges of darkness and limited space. The project’s objective was to create a spacious, light-filled environment that seamlessly connects with the garden while accommodating modern amenities and a separate kids’ area.

Preservation of Heritage Features

While significant alterations were made, Peek House retained and restored key heritage features such as the verandah, front entry, and main bedroom. The integration of half-height tiled partitions in the second bedroom allowed for a combined bathroom and laundry space while preserving heritage proportions.

Harmonizing Old and New

The design harmoniously blends old and new elements, showcasing retained rough-textured brickwork and fireplaces alongside crisp contemporary materials in the living addition. The material palette was deliberately kept minimal to highlight light, texture, and volumes as focal points of the design.

Innovative Architectural Elements

Innovative architectural elements, such as a triangular window acting as a sundial and framed voids funneling light, infuse the home with dynamic lighting effects that change with the time of day and seasons.

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Features

Peek House incorporates sustainable practices with added insulation, double-glazed windows for ventilation, custom awnings for solar protection, and provisions for future solar systems and rainwater harvesting, reflecting a commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Budget Constraints and Design Opportunities

While budget constraints posed challenges, they also spurred bold interventions and thoughtful design decisions, such as highlighting off-the-shelf staircases with terracotta paint and showcasing exposed structural elements.

Peek House stands as a modern yet respectful homage to its Victorian origins, embodying a harmonious blend of heritage charm and contemporary living standards while prioritizing sustainability and innovative design solutions.