Three Stories North

Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns

THREE STORIES NORTH

Splinter Society

ARCHITECTS
Splinter Society

BUILDERS
Birds Mouth Construction

DESIGN TEAM
Chris Stanley, Asha Nicolas

MANUFACTURERS
Boyd Alternatives, Cerdomus, Domo, Halcyon Lake, Ligne Roset, Mark Tuckey, P4, Studio Italia design, APEX,

MANUFACTURERS
Domo Furniture, Partaps in Aged Brass, Pavers Plus, Pendant

ENGINEERING
Structural Bureau

PHOTOGRAPHS
Sharyn Cairns

YEAR
2020

LOCATION
Melbourne, Australia

CATEGORY
Houses, Renovation, House Interiors

In its most recent incarnation, Three Stories North is an untraditional family home that embraces its layered history.

Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns

Working with creative clients, the design approach is informed by their initial belief that beneath its previous renovations the building’s industrial heritage is quite unique.

The project’s primary objective is to realise its existing potential rather than replace it with something entirely new.

The design is first and foremost a process of reduction to allow the character of the original building to be the primary feature.

Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns

A key component of this is to retain and reveal the masonry construction giving the home an undeniable warehouse feel.

Many original details such as arched doors and fireplaces are maintained in working order.

Where possible the imperfection of the brick walls are celebrated as an indication of their history. 

Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns

At a few points glazing is used to fill gaps in the masonry to clearly delineate what is original and what is new.

At the ground level, the original timber ceilings are also exposed. Once two separate townhouses, the space is bisected by a masonry wall across all three stories which forms the axis for circulation.

The levels are joined by a stair which hangs from this wall, inspired by an industrial fire stair. 

Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns

Dividing the plan perpendicularly, a central core forms a chimney-like feature which extends through a 9m high skylight while providing joinery elements to each of the spaces.

Within the three-dimensional cross section, half of the house if zoned for public spaces, a quarter to more intimate spaces and the remaining quarter forms the dramatic void which connects the three stories and entry.

The considerable internal space is practically indiscernible from the unassuming traditional exterior.

Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns

The entry is set back from the original façade creating an entry courtyard and allowing a 3-storey glass façade to bring a substantial amount of light into the spaces as well as opening up to a large tree canopy in the streetscape.

A large door is fashioned from 140-year-old timber joists repurposed from the demolition. As a balance to the larger architectural spaces, the living spaces are much more intimate, characterised by subtle colours, texture and plush soft furnishings.

Rough sawn timber lines the walls and recycled timber creates joinery adding warmth.

Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns

Strong black detailing in the new areas create a distinctly modern contrast to the brickwork of the original building while linking to the industrial character.

Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns
Three Stories North
© Sharyn Cairns


Three Stories North
Plans