Architectural

Fitzroy North High House

The architectural home of designer Dan Gayfer, communications professional Leah Hyland and their young daughter Clementine in Fitzroy North defies all usual expectations of inner city terrace living.

Despite its modest Edwardian facade, this home is big, bright and full of surprises.

 

Written
by
Lucy Feagins

Inside the home of Dan Gayfer and Leah Hyland in Fitzroy North. Concrete bench top by Keenan Harris, tiles supplied by Artedomus, leather recessed cabinetry pulls by MadeMeasure, and terrarium by Glasshaus Nursery. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Dan, Leah and their adorable two-year-old daughter Clementine. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Concrete bench top by Keenan Harris, restored teak dining chairs from Modern Times, ‘Navy’ dining table by Jardan, ‘Poly Pop’ pendent by Brooklyn NYC designer, Token Lighting, photographic print by Dean Bradley, and vase by Kate Rhode. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area as seen from the lounge area. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Indoor plant and ‘Wabi’ wall planter by Glasshaus Nursery,  ‘Poly Pop’ pendent lights by Brooklyn NYC designer, Token Lighting, restored teak dining chairs from Modern Times, ‘Navy’ dining table by Jardan and vase by Kate Rhode. The space receives abundant natural light for the majority of the day thanks to the north-facing custom skylight. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

The kitchen is also bathed in light. It features concrete bench top by Keenan Harris, ‘Crop Bar Stools’ by Relm,
tiles supplied by Artedomus and leather recessed cabinetry pulls by MadeMeasure. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Indoor plant and pot by Glasshaus Nursery, outdoor landscaping by Form, and ‘Sidney’ coffee table by Jardan. ‘In the warmer months opening up the steel sliding doors and letting all the greenery inside (as well as fresh air!) brings a beautiful, tranquil character to the living room,’ tells Leah. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

‘Errol’ lounge and ‘Sidney’ coffee table by Jardan, cushions by Kate and Kate, and oil-on-linen painting by artist Craig Handley. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

An impressive nook housing the family’s library. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

The second living area that Dan and Leah absolutely love. leather recessed cabinetry pulls by MadeMeasure, ‘Modus’ task chair by Tecno (1972) and indoor plants and pots by Glasshaus Nursery. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Barbara getting some sun! Photo – Dean Bradley.

Featuring artwork ‘Pacific Drift’ by Kozyndan, Line Table Lamp by Douglas and Bec on bedside table by Redfox and Wilcox, queen bed by Hunting for George and blush ensuite mosaic tile supplied by Artedomus. ‘Space is bright, airy, colourful, and not too big where it loses intimacy and character,’ says Leah. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Bath towel by Kate and Kate, blue mosaic tile supplied by Artedomus and plants from Glasshaus Nursery. ‘We love the material palette of Russian Birch timber, blue tiles, white porcelain and plants; the bathrooms strong connection with the internal courtyard brings characteristics to the bathroom that are quite uncommon,’ tell the homeowners. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

The striking form of the home, as viewed from the backyard. Photo – Dean Bradley.

View of exterior featuring courtyard. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
13th of September 2017

‘High House’ is an apt description for this surprising North Fitzroy home, whose modest 5 metre wide Edwardian facade gives away very little about the impressive scale of the extension beyond.

The renovation was designed by homeowner Dan Gayfer, including all building, interior and exterior design elements. Only the front two rooms of the original brick residence remain – everything else was demolished to make way for a bold, contemporary rear extension and second level, incorporating new kitchen, living and dining room, bathroom, upstairs master bedroom, study/adult’s retreat and adjoining roof deck (!) as well as a new internal courtyard on the ground floor to provide natural light to the downstairs rooms.

This home is remarkable for it’s ‘tardis-like’ qualities – and by that I mean, having an interior that is more spacious than could ever be imagined from the outside! A staircase from the kitchen takes you to a retreat/study on the first floor, providing direct access to a small roof terrace to the north, and the first floor master bedroom and study/retreat. Under the stair, the inclusion of a laundry, storage cupboards and wine cellar ensure no space is wasted.

Dan and Leah are especially fond of the first-floor retreat and adjoining rooftop terrace. This versatile space is drowned in natural light most days, and acts as a sort of secluded second living space. ‘We couldn’t be happier with this area, especially the fact that it literally doubles in size when you include the rooftop terrace’ explains Leah. During the warmer months, she and Dan spend a lot of time lounging here with a wine or beer. ‘It is actually quite surreal, as you are literally surrounded by adjacent rooftops and tree canopies which surprisingly provide complete privacy,’ Leah continues. A bar fridge integrated into the terrace is the icing on the cake!

Above all else, this is a purposeful, deliberate house. Every element has been thoughtfully designed specifically for the family who live here – evident in the various bespoke storage solutions and in-built furniture throughout the house. Probably most importantly – the aesthetic is interactive, aiming to encourage movement, conversation and everyday interaction throughout all spaces.

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