Burnley House

Burnley House is a story of resilience and renewal, set within the constraints of a narrow block in suburban Melbourne. Our clients, a couple with teenage children, had called this two-storey townhouse home for over 20 years. Originally subdivided in the 1990s and built with economy in mind, the townhouse’s cheap render and issues like rising damp had long overshadowed its prime location and functional size.

When the clients first approached us, they were in a difficult position. A prefab company they had engaged had gone under, leaving them with a half-formed design and a planning permit—but a project that had spiraled away from their original vision. With a deep love for mid-century design, they hoped for a home imbued with the warmth and character often lacking in prefabricated solutions. With a modest budget and a renewed sense of purpose, they turned to us for help.

Our first step was a quick yet thoughtful redesign, aiming to maximise the potential of the narrow 5.5-meter-wide block with its challenging east-west orientation. Natural light became our guiding principle. A small light court was introduced to bring northern light deep into the living spaces, while skylights throughout—including a large openable skylight above the stairs—bathe the interiors in sunlight and allow for cross ventilation. This skylight also provides access to a rooftop deck, where the family enjoys stunning city views and cultivates a modest vegetable garden.

Simple, tactile elements bring warmth and personality, including an exposed timber ceiling and blackbutt kitchen joinery. Sustainability was integral, with solar panels, grey water recycling, and thermal upgrades. Existing elements like the slab and boundary wall were reused and restored, embracing the home’s rustic origins.

The result is a home that feels purposeful and serene, overcoming its original shortcomings to reflect the family’s evolving needs and aesthetic values. Despite the tight budget and significant constraints, Burnley House is a testament to the power of thoughtful design to transform even the most challenging conditions into a warm, light-filled family haven. It is a continued prototype for our practice for inner city living.