Grove House Hawthorn East, Modern Melbourne Victorian villa, Australia home design, Residence photos

Grove House in Hawthorn, Melbourne residence

29 August 2025

Design: Bryant Alsop

Location: Hawthorn East, Victoria, Australia

Photos by Jack Lovel

Grove House, Melbourne Property

Bryant Alsop designed a contemporary addition for a meticulously restored Victorian villa, with sustainability as a core principle.

The project began with the client’s years-long dedication to returning the grand, free-standing villa to its former glory as a single-family home. Having painstakingly restored the period details after its use as a boarding house, they sought Bryant Alsop to create a seamless and complementary contemporary addition.

Maximizing Light and Garden Connection
The expansive south-facing block presented a unique opportunity. We strategically positioned the addition across the southern boundary, turning the living spaces northward to capture abundant natural light and to connect seamlessly with a central garden – a haven for the owner’s horticultural passion.

“Situated on a large south facing block, the immediate response was to turn the addition back towards the street to maximise northern light and garden connection.”
– Sarah Bryant, Director of Bryant Alsop

A Haven for Family and Function
The new addition seamlessly integrates family living, dining, and kitchen areas, all flowing effortlessly to a north-facing outdoor entertaining space.

High ceilings and a neutral material palette – polished concrete floors with in-floor heating, a floating concrete hearth, timber cabinetry, porcelain benchtops – create a sense of spaciousness, tranquility, and refined simplicity.

‘’This is a family home to be enjoyed for the long term that cultivates a sense of delight in a garden oasis. ”
– Sarah Bryant, Director of Bryant Alsop

Connection
A floating steel and timber stair leads to the spacious first-floor main bedroom suite, and generous garaging with workshop spaces completes the functional and stylish layout.

Sustainable Design for Enduring Comfort
Sustainability was a core principle from the outset. The roof form optimizes a large-scale photovoltaic system that powers the heat pump and in-floor heating system, while electric cooling ensures year-round comfort. High-performance double glazing, increased insulation, and operable skylights further enhance energy efficiency and reduce running costs.

A retractable sunshade integrated into a recycled timber pergola manages western sun load and provides flexibility for outdoor living. Light painted brickwork externally provides a robust finish with good thermal mass that will stand the test of time. Large stacking doors in the living space and operable skylights on the first floor promote natural ventilation, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems.

This stunningly renovated Victorian villa with its contemporary addition is not just a residence, but a haven for family life. It celebrates the joy of connection with nature and creates a space to be cherished for generations to come.