Maintaining continuity at the entrance and bringing a contemporary reinvigoration to the rear, Atlas Architects’ Dot’s House is as self-assured as it is practical.
Located in Fitzroy North, the client desired a functional, low maintenance and comfortable dwelling, with each architectural nuance to be purposeful. A pared back, rough interior was called for, with exposed brick walls and polished floorboards acknowledging the history of the home, while bringing a modernist guise.
The building’s facade was originally painted red, with Atlas setting to work on removing the paint to find the facade coated in tar. The facade was repainted as a result, with the front porch reinstated to maintain heritage. The dwelling’s original pitch roof is carried from existing to new, with a circular window awning bringing a sense of intrigue to onlookers.
The minimalist qualities of both material and colour contrast against Fitzroy’s vibrance, with a black and white colour palette, horizontal weatherboards boards and vertical Mini Orb corrugated cladding adopted.
The interior takes its cues from the external urban fabric, with the introduction of the concrete tiles in the shower, formed concrete basin and concrete benchtop in the kitchen and the living area. The hardness and roughness of concrete are then contrasted and softened with the abundance of light timber on the floor and joinery, which is heightened by knick-knacks and books lining timber shelves along the walls. Skylights make for an abundance of natural light.
