Parkside, a newly completed residence crafted by Austin Maynard Architects, is nestled on Alfred Crescent in North Fitzroy, Melbourne. street is renowned for its historical significance and is protected for its heritage, making it one of the most cherished areas in the northern suburbs. The homes here, including Parkside, are characterized by their dual street access, featuring a welcoming entrance on the shaded southern side and a garage that opens up to the sunlit northern park.
In response to the growing demand for housing density in inner-city suburbs, the project involved a thoughtful subdivision of the block. The original house was preserved, while a new structure was added at the rear, resulting in two distinct family homes. However, Parkside transcends the notion of merely increasing density; it stands as a testament to resilience, efficiency, and long-term adaptability, enhancing livability while honoring the area’s rich heritage.
Designed with environmental adaptability in mind, Parkside is a two-story home that caters to the concept of aging in place. The compact layout features single-level living, complemented by a guest bedroom, bathroom, and art studio located on the upper floor. A striking yellow spiral staircase connects the levels, adding a vibrant touch to the home’s aesthetic.
The central courtyard plays a pivotal role in the design, flooding the open-plan interior with natural light, fresh air, and lush greenery. Rather than maintaining a large private garden, residents benefit from the park directly across the street, which serves as a shared natural space. This arrangement allows them to enjoy the beauty of greenery without the burdensome upkeep of a traditional garden.
Bryan and Marija, the owners of Parkside, purchased their original single-fronted Victorian terrace nearly two decades ago. They recognized the potential of the dual street access and the deep block, envisioning a future subdivision. By downsizing into the rear of their property and clearing the views of the park that were previously obstructed by a garage, they effectively doubled the block’s density while maintaining the integrity of the heritage and fostering good neighborly relations.
For the architects, the design process was driven not by the pursuit of profit but by the desire to create a home that inspires joy and creativity. Parkside is a reflection of this philosophy, blending modern living with a deep respect for the historical context of its surroundings.
The owners placed a strong emphasis on staying connected with their local community. Research indicates that fostering robust community relationships, particularly in lively neighborhoods like Fitzroy, can significantly enhance cognitive function, elevate mood, and improve the overall quality of life for older adults. By choosing to downsize within their own neighborhood, Bryan and Marija were able to remain in a familiar environment, relishing the sights and sounds of the nearby park while maintaining an active and socially engaged lifestyle.
Bryan Mackenzie, the visionary behind Enzie spiral staircases, and his wife Marija, a talented artist, had a long-standing relationship with Austin Maynard Architects, having collaborated on previous projects involving Enzie staircases. When it came time to design their own home, they confidently entrusted the firm with the task. The design brief was clear: prioritize sustainability, functionality, and maximize the stunning views of the park.
Their new home was to feature two bedrooms, a dedicated studio for Marija’s artistic endeavors, and generous space for entertaining guests. The focus was on optimizing natural light, enhancing airflow, and creating smart storage solutions rather than simply increasing square footage. Custom design elements were thoughtfully integrated to cater to their unique requirements.
One of the most striking aspects of Parkside is its eye-catching yellow spiral staircase. This staircase not only serves a practical purpose but also acts as a bold architectural statement, infusing the interior with light and a sense of openness. Although Parkside was designed for single-level living, Bryan notes that the staircase ‘keeps us fit and inspires us.’ Additionally, spiral staircases are often regarded as safer alternatives to traditional designs, providing continuous handrail support that makes them easier to navigate.
A significant part of Parkside’s design focused on maximizing natural light and ventilation. The central courtyard is thoughtfully aligned with a neighboring light well, creating a harmonious exchange of sunlight and greenery between the two properties. This internal courtyard, along with operable panels, strategically placed skylights, and louvres, empowers the homeowners to manage light, privacy, and airflow throughout the residence.
The dining area features a striking two-storey void, crowned with a skylight equipped with rotating louvres that allow for customizable light control. Meanwhile, the spiral staircase, constructed from perforated steel, elegantly filters light without creating any obstructions. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall functionality of the space.
Sustainability stands as a fundamental principle in the design of Parkside. The house operates entirely on electricity and is oriented to harness the benefits of northern and eastern sunlight, which warms the concrete floor, serving as thermal mass during the cooler months. Energy-efficient features such as double glazing, external shading, ceiling fans, and cross-ventilation systems are integrated throughout. Additionally, a 3,000-liter water tank captures rainwater for garden irrigation and toilet flushing, while the home’s insulation, low-VOC materials, and permeable garden surfaces further underscore its commitment to environmentally conscious living.