Eddie is a terrace renovation, built on a small 140sqm site in Melbourne’s Fitzroy North. Our brief asked for an improved three-bedroom, one bathroom home. As is common with old terraces, they sought more natural light, better airflow, and privacy. They also wished for a garden; a green oasis that would provide peace and respite within the dense inner city.

The idea of a ‘linear garden’ at the rear of the house was conceived to provide an unexpected soft edge and a welcome sanctuary. This is especially true within city.

Our architectural response carves a linear garden from the tiny site, welcoming light and air into the depths of the terrace.  The project approach was playful, led by our clients, who lessened their internal floor space. What they gained instead was a vastly improved home, which is bright, welcoming and breathable; true proof that less can be more. Not too big, not too small, but just right!

The new garden aspect helps to unite and untangle the floor plan. The main living, cooking, and eating spaces, are centred on the garden, with several thresholds, providing ledges to perch and play on. Openings slide open, bringing the outside in and extending the home into the garden. Sleeping and bathing spaces are tucked privately out of view, but still with aperture or access back to the green space. The home is simple and minimal, but there is a joyful family enoughness to the space.

The cork floor & rich green walls have an earthy and organic quality, complimenting the nearby timbers & greenery. The materials are simple and calm, tending towards texture and tactility.

Eddie Garden House is the joyful result of creative collaboration. The final home reflects perfectly our client’s values and personalities and provides a place where they can live a restful, quiet family life within a busy city. The final home is a celebration of the handsome existing terrace & its location on the fringe of Edinburgh Gardens.