In the heart of Melbourne’s Hawthorn, a dilapidated Victorian villa has been transformed into a lush haven by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design. Envisioned as a private retreat for landscape architect Ben Scott and his partner Emily, the project beautifully merges heritage elements with modern functionality, creating a seamless dialogue between the home and its natural surroundings.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia
Architecture & Interior Design: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Landscape Design: Ben Scott Garden Design
Build: Hawthorn Projects
Landscape Construction: Greener Visions Landscapes
Engineering: Clive Steele Partners
Photography: Derek Swalwell
Styling: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
When the couple embarked on this ambitious renovation, their vision was clear: they wanted a space where architecture and landscape would coexist in harmony. Collaborating closely with Matt Gibson and his team, they crafted a design that not only preserved the essence of the original villa but also blurred the boundaries between the built environment and the verdant landscape outside. The result is a home that serves as both a sanctuary and a canvas for family connections, where the garden becomes an integral extension of daily life.
One of the most significant challenges faced was working within a limited budget while ensuring a sense of immersion and privacy from the surrounding streetscape. The architects skillfully navigated this by introducing a new east-west wing along the southern boundary, which optimizes solar exposure while protecting the interior spaces from the prying eyes of neighboring buildings. This strategic addition created the necessary space for family activities and established a direct connection to a secluded laneway, complete with access to a rear garage and a dedicated play area for children.
The design prioritizes a layered approach to the landscape, where every element—from native plantings to strategically placed trees—serves to enhance the experience of living within the home. This thoughtful integration ensures that the garden is not merely an afterthought but a vibrant extension of the family’s lifestyle.
The exterior of the House for a Landscape Designer is intentionally understated, featuring a dark color palette that allows it to recede into the natural environment. Black-painted fences create a striking contrast against the lush greens of the garden, establishing a visual anchor both from the street and within the home itself. Each architectural element is crafted to enhance the connection between the interiors and the exterior, amplifying the feeling of being surrounded by nature.
Virginia creeper elegantly drapes over a dark-painted pergola, lending rustic charm to the overall design. The architects also utilized black glass surfaces to add depth and facilitate a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This interplay of materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also allows for the incorporation of greenery, further blurring the lines of the home’s structure.
Celebrating the art of contrast, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design has truly unleashed the potential of this site, transforming it into a unique and immersive destination. Ben Scott’s landscape design weaves nature into the fabric of the home while respecting the existing character of the villa.
The collaboration with Hawthorn Projects for construction and Greener Visions Landscapes for the landscape work has resulted in a stunning synthesis of architecture and nature. The engineering finesse provided by Clive Steele Partners ensures that the design not only meets aesthetic goals but also stands the test of time.
In the end, the House for a Landscape Designer is more than just a home; it’s a testament to the beauty of living harmoniously with nature, a celebration of family connections, and a sanctuary that reflects the essence of its inhabitants. Here, architecture and landscape dance together, creating a timeless space that welcomes and nurtures its residents and their dreams.
