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When Erica George and Damon McKinnon sold their Templestowe home in 2023, they were pleasantly surprised to come across this mid-century modern home in Research, originally designed by local architect Tony Gilligan in the ’70s for his own family.
‘We had driven past this home for years; however, it had never come across our radar as it was hidden behind a large front paling fence,’ interior designer and homeowner Erica recalls.
The spacious 2.5-acre property’s drawcards were instant: the home had a solid foundation, split-level design, and a blend of mid-century influences with Australian modernism. However, neglected maintenance over the years called for a thorough renovation to bring it back to life.
The roof leaked; there were no gutters; the carport was collapsing; concrete pavers were dislodged by tree roots; the outdated kitchen required a refresh; and the stark white bathroom and laundry didn’t align with the rest of the home’s aesthetic.
‘We wanted to bring it into the present while remaining sympathetic to the home’s architectural character. Apart from the Hawthorn brick shell, floor-to-ceiling windows and the original Daniel Robertson Terracotta floors, the home required a full overhaul,’ Damon explains.
The renovation resolved these issues by replacing the entire roof; adding new stormwater, heating, and cooling systems; and inserting a much-needed garage and mudroom.
The new layout maximises space and comfort in the living room, transforming the master bedroom into an oasis, placing the kitchen at the heart of the home, and retaining the guest residence in the original stables.
‘The kitchen is now proportionally correct for a home of this size; it is functional, has plenty of storage and preparation space, all whilst nestling into the existing bones of the home,’ Damon says.
The couple loved selecting each finish, fixture and fitting, and working with their builder, Jason from Treehouse Constructions, who had previously worked under architect Alistair Knox’s son Hamish, where he gained a thorough understanding of the architectural character of Research homes.
‘Jason’s experience with similar construction also meant he could offer thoughtful, practical solutions to design challenges as they arose, helping us achieve our vision while remaining sympathetic to the home’s original architecture,’ Erica says.
Their selected palette of warm colours and natural textures complements the existing brick and terracotta floors. Japanese tiles appear throughout the home, contrasting with the rich natural stone, warm timber tones, and brass accents.
‘We also wanted to pay homage to the home’s 1970s origins through the considered selection of finishes, incorporating high-gloss mosaics, sculptural resin baths and rich textures that reference the era while bringing a contemporary sophistication to the interiors,’ says Damon.
A subtle Japanese influence appears in the property’s sweeping curves, landscaped berms, new lawns and planting. An outdoor entertaining area with a secluded fire pit, a built-in barbecue and a pizza oven sits near the pool.
‘We carried out major earthworks to reshape the land, creating large natural rock retaining walls, tiered garden beds and more usable outdoor spaces while maintaining the natural character of the surrounding bushland,’ says Erica.
Erica and Damon have relished the privacy, tranquillity, and freedom in this character-filled home, but the time has come to move on to another architectural adventure.
‘While we’ll certainly miss the home and everything we’ve created here, we’re excited about what the next chapter might bring,’ says Erica.
