Modern single family home in Melbourne built from natural materials

“The New Old” is a modern family house in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and was from Jessica Liew designed in 2012. It was designed in a simple and straightforward manner as a contrast to the glamor and glamor of today’s home decor. The house extends to 385m² and offers bright, but private living spaces where there is a relaxed atmosphere. The natural materials including concrete, brick and hardwood that were used for its construction convey a sense of honesty and rawness that is so seldom seen these days.

Modern family house built from natural materials

The architect’s goal was to create a relaxed private home that is energy-efficient, practical and shaped by the character of the natural materials. The large collection of works of art and antiques owned by the travel owners are a nice addition to this. The result is remarkable. A newly built house where the neighbors’ tennis court used to be.

Modern family home with character

The two story home has a living room, dining room, library, basement, home office, separate laundry room, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 3 car garage. In terms of energy, the house is remarkable – double glazed windows and skylights, double ceilings, double insulated walls, water tank, hydronic heaters, recycled bricks, thick wool carpets, hardwood beams. The rooms can be quickly converted – a home office into a guest room (folding bed); the hobby room in a second home office; and a studio or third bedroom upstairs.

Custom-made glass revolving doors replace the conventional front door. Ancient Chinese doors frame the hallway leading to the fish pond. A mural by famous Melbourne street artists Ghostpatrol and Miso adorns the wall. All rooms have a view of the inner courtyard and the fish pond. The dominant color palette includes black concrete, white-painted brick, and natural wood that will age with the house.