Parkside House, Fitzroy, Melbourne property photos, Modern Australian property design
Parkside House in Fitzroy, Melbourne
14 October 2024
Design: Austin Maynard Architects
Location: Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Photos by Tess Kelly
Parkside House, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Vic
Parkside is an environmentally adaptable, deeply sustainable home designed for aging in place. This compact, two-story house represents the owners’ longstanding retirement plan to downsize within their own backyard. It embodies a growing trend among retirees to create a second dwelling on their land, motivated by the financial benefits as well as the desire to remain connected to their communities. Research in both the US and Australia shows that many older homeowners are attached to their neighborhoods and prefer not to relocate, seeking simpler lives with reduced costs and smaller environmental footprints.
The owners of Parkside, Bryan and Marija, first purchased their Victorian terrace in North Fitzroy, Melbourne, nearly two decades ago. Drawn to the vibrant area and the unique features of their 50-meter-deep block with dual street access, they envisioned a future subdivision that would open the rear of their property to the adjacent park. This would not only unlock the northern orientation for improved sunlight but also remove the garage that previously blocked the park view.
Situated on a heritage-protected street just north of Melbourne’s city center, Parkside responds to the urgent need for increased housing density in inner-city suburbs. However, rather than a quick-fix solution, it stands as a resilient, efficient home that enhances livability while respecting the heritage and character of the neighborhood. The design emphasizes flexibility, light control, and ventilation through a combination of operable panels, skylights, louvres, and a central courtyard. This allows the owners to fully manage their environment, privacy, and light exposure.
The front façade features alternating modules of fixed timber and glass panels, with operable timber panels that allow ventilation and are controlled by a remote system. Embracing a philosophy of “smaller but better,” the home integrates hard-working design elements. A bright yellow spiral staircase leads to the upper floor, which houses a guest bedroom, bathroom, and art studio. The courtyard invites sunlight, fresh air, and greenery into the open-plan layout, while the park across the street acts as a low-maintenance extension of their living space.
Parkside House, Fitzroy, Melbourne – Property Information
Architects: Austin Maynard Architects – https://maynardarchitects.com/
Completion date: February 2024
Project team: Andrew Maynard, Mark Austin, Ray Dinh
Total site area: 278 sq. m.
Total floor area: 148 sq. m.
Ground: 93 sq. m.
First Floor: 55 sq. m.
Builder: Dimpat
Engineer: CO-STRUCT
Building Surveyor: Code Compliance
Photography: Tess Kelly
Parkside House, Fitzroy, Melbourne – information / images received 141024
Location: Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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