The 10 Most Envy-Inducing Architectural Homes of Last Year

Roundup

We featured over 90 (!) architecture stories last year – an incredible overview of the best of the best in Australian residential architecture.

Today, we review our top TEN architectural home stories of 2018… as decided by you! These are the highest rating architectural homes we featured last year – collated in one place for your scrolling pleasure.

2nd January, 2019

The ‘Planchonella House’ by Jesse Bennett and interior designer Anne-Marie Campagnolo. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

Revisiting The Jaw-Dropping ‘Planchonella House’

We first featured the Planchonella House by in Queensland in 2015, but we gave the incredible property a second showing when it came onto the market earlier this year – at it seems that you (like us) couldn’t get enough of this unbelievable home! This ‘tropical bizzaro’ sits amongst a rainforest, with views from all angles. We will never tire of this home!

Revisit the full story here

King Bill by Austin Maynard Architects. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

This House Is A Love Letter To Fitzroy

The ‘King Bill House’ by Austin Maynard Architects is a true homage to Fitzroy. It is inspired by the grungy laneways that jostle alongside red brick Victorian homes, weatherboard cottages, old factories and new developments. This unique home is playful and considered, and a true patchwork of the neighborhood.

Revisit the full story here

Whitlam Place by Freadman White and Anon. Studio. Photo – Tom Ross.

Are These The Coolest Apartments In Fitzroy?

The Whitlam Place apartments sparked major interest (and envy) when we first featured them in October. Designed by Freadman White in collaboration with Anon Studio, this boutique apartment development draws inspiration from both local and international architecture, to create a sense of Melbourne post-modernism! This playful and creative building is one we would love to move into…

Revisit the full story here

The Terrarium House by John Ellway. Photo – Toby Scott.

Jungle Treehouse Meets Urban Brisbane Home

Brisbane’s ‘Terrarium house’ is a physical manifestation of memories for owners John Ellway and Amber Winter. In his design, John used screens to open and divide space, along with semi-translucent glass, invoking memories of past trips to Japan, while the lush planting, rendered block, and semi-outdoor bathroom are inspired by more recent travels to Malaysia and Singapore.

Revisit the full story here

West Brunswick home by Taylor Knights architects. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Ruth Welsby.

A Triumphant West Brunswick Extension

This clever renovation in Brunswick was about bringing light into a beloved family home, and creating increased connection between the house and garden. The clever team at Taylor Knights architects conjured a sense of expansive space, in a 55 square metre alteration, through creating nooks and new cut-out reveals. We love the white brick walls, the polished concrete floor, the sleek bathroom tiles… we love it all!

Revisit the full story here

Brunswick House by Rob Kennon Architects. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

A WOW-Factor Extension In Brunswick

We talk about ‘jaw-dropping’ homes a lot on TDF, but for our News Editor Sally Tabart, walking into this stunning home elicited a legitimate ‘WOW’ response! The extension by Rob Kennon Architects is truly superlative worthy, with a meticulous attention to detail. The joinery! The tiles! Those concrete lines… yes please!

Revisit the full story here

Photo – Rory Gardiner, courtesy of Pandolfini Architects.

A Boldly Re-imagined Victorian Worker’s Cottage

This Port Melbourne gem in the self-designed home of architect Dominic Pandolfini, of Pandolfini Architects. Dominic transformed a tiny, dilapidated Victorian cottage into a stunning family home. Through clever use of the space, the architect has transformed a dark and narrow dwelling into delightful home, flooded with natural light.

Revisit the full story here

A unique renovation in Albert Park by Tandem. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Extended and Updated in Albert Park

A run-down heritage-listed terrace house in Albert Park presented a challenging brief for Tandem. The Melbourne design studio was enlisted to update and extend the property to fit the needs of a young family, whilst maintaining the heritage streetscape.

Extensive renovations were made to the bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry, including lots of new storage. Repositioning the kitchen and opening up the ground level reinvigorated the flow of the home, allowing it to transition seamlessly into its new form: a two-storey garden pavilion.

Revisit the full story here

The St Vincents Place Residence in Albert Park by B.E Architecture. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

A House Of Hidden Treasures

The St Vincent’s Place Residence by B.E Architecture is a prime example of what is possible when dream client meets ambitious architect. The stunning heritage conversion is also a perfect case study in moving slowly, in order to achieve an outcome of the highest order!

The project developed over a three year period, which allowed for ideas to flourish and a fully resolved outcome to be delivered. Together, the architect worked with the client to resolve the relationship between heritage and modernity, through the mingling of art, architecture and furniture. Every room unfolds a new design delight – a flourish in every corner! (and what about that subterranean POOL!?)

Revisit the full story here

The Ballarat House by Eldridge and Anderson. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

A Surprise In Ballarat’s Suburbs

This home by Eldridge and Anderson shows what can be achieved in a modest suburban plot, when clever design is at play. In a modest setting and with a limited budget, the architects show the potential of thinking creatively for a low maintenance, refined and flexible design. In a location where architect designed houses are not the norm – this home shows the beautiful possibilities of suburban estate living.

Revisit the full story here