A mid-century marvel in Melbourne’s south-east has entered its next chapter as a sculptural family home.
Originally built in 1959 by architects Holgar & Holgar, Palm House was purchased by its new owners in an almost untouched state, save for a small renovation in the ’90s. Enlisting the expertise of Melbourne-based architects BayleyWard, their aim was to significantly extend the building and infuse the interiors with new life, all the while paying homage to the past.
Breezeblocks convey the home’s mid-century origins. A towering palm tree punctuates the distinctive roofline.
The expansive living space features uninterrupted views from the sunken lounge to the garden beyond. Here, a mix of bold natural stones – the Signorino terrazzo floors, ‘Four Seasons’ quartzite sunken lounge and ‘Super White’ marble kitchen island – contrast with light-timber-lined ceilings and joinery.
The light-filled kitchen is anchored by a sculptural island bench crafted from Signorino ‘Super White’ marble. The space features a Miele oven and microwave.
The dining room features the Giopato & Coombes Dew Drops pendant, Friends & Founders La Pipe chair and a custom Thomas Lentini table.
The home occupies a spacious site within a coveted cul-de-sac of St Kilda East, a suburb renowned for its mid-century houses erected during the post-war era of optimism. “We were drawn to the home’s connection to the neighbourhood – its open frontage with no fence and lawn that rolled directly into the pavement,” BayleyWard co-director Nick Readett-Bayley says. “We retained this, along with the original architectural expression to the street, the modesty of which gave little away of the expansive retreat within.” This commitment to honouring Holgar & Holgar’s vision continued throughout the project, with Nick emphasising, “We allowed the existing building to lead our design approach.”
Balancing busy careers with the joys of raising two young children, the owners sought to create a family sanctuary – a place to unwind, with ample space for the children to play. At the same time, they wanted a home where they could host gatherings with friends and family, prompting BayleyWard to craft the layout around a light-filled kitchen, expansive dining area and sunken lounge. These interconnected spaces seamlessly flow into a spacious backyard comprising a pool, tennis court and cabana, where a collection of Californian palm trees have been worked into the architectural narrative, with one even punctuating the distinctive roofline.
In the primary bedroom, dark timber floorboards reference the original timber work and provide a contrast to the lighter elements of the living spaces. Pictured in the space is the Cassina Soriana armchair.
The juxtaposition of hard and soft elements is evident in the primary bedroom, where off-form concrete walls contrast with linen curtains and opulent textiles. The space features bedding from Abode.
Material selections were driven by the existing palette, with a preference for striking and enduring materials. “We dedicated time to selecting a new terrazzo that would complement the original terrazzo floors, soft-coloured timbers for the joinery and ceilings to bring light and warmth, and bold stones to continue celebrating memories of the past,” Nick explains. “Our focus was on durability and refinement, avoiding overly precious materials and instead opting for a juxtaposition of hard and soft elements.”
At its core, Palm House embodies the joy and optimism synonymous with houses constructed in post-war Melbourne. “These houses were built by people who had made it in Melbourne, often after very difficult journeys. We love the story behind them,” Nick reflects.
Skylights feature throughout the house, including the striking oculus in the primary bathroom.
The architects retained the original entrance with its intricate detailing.
The spacious backyard comprises a pool, tennis court and cabana, with a collection of Californian palm trees worked into the architectural narrative.
The architects retained the home’s original street-facing facade to tie in with the rest of the street.
