Soul House
Fitzroy North, VIC
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Year
2024
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Status
Built
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Location
Fitzroy North, VIC
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Discipline
Residential
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Expertise
Interiors
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Photography
Alex Reinders
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The Design Files
In the leafy streets of Fitzroy North, a soulful renovation breathes new life into a beloved home, where materials catch the morning light and tell stories of time’s gentle passage. Every detail speaks to a philosophy of authentic materiality and graceful aging, creating spaces that will continue to evolve and gather beauty with each passing year.
Upon entering, there’s an immediate sense of warmth and tranquillity. The eye is drawn through the space to an impressive island bench that anchors the kitchen. Its uncoated brass surface will develop a patina over time that becomes a physical representation of the couple’s life in this space. Each mark and weathered surface is celebrated as part of the home’s evolution.
For the owners, passionate entertainers, the kitchen’s thoughtful organisation was paramount. Clever joinery solutions create what might be called ordered chaos – a place for every cooking essential, all quietly tucked away behind timber veneer cupboards that feature little pops of colour within.
In the Japanese-inspired onsen bathroom, the boundaries between inside and out blur through a timber and green palette. The space feels both intimate and expansive, offering a deeply contemplative bathing experience while embracing the lush garden beyond. Each bathroom in the home tells its own distinct story – the master ensuite offers a serene sanctuary wrapped in earthy natural tones, while the guest bathroom makes a confident statement with saturated reds.
Natural materials in their purest form – uncoated brass, hand-glazed tiles from Japan, locally crafted terrazzo, and Australian timbers – create a calm canvas that allows the garden views to take centre stage. The rich, earthy tones of hand-glazed tiles echo the original Castlemaine stacked stone walls, creating a visual dialogue between old and new that feels both intentional and effortless.
"Success is more than just a strong narrative. It requires strong partners and clients who have the freedom and trust to step outside everyone's comfort zone. The talent of our builders, tilers, and joinery makers was essential to realising our vision. Each element has been carefully considered and crafted to contribute to the home's ongoing story, reflecting a collective dedication to quality and authenticity."
Isabel Munro
Interior Designer
