Stickybeak of the Week: An Elegant Outside-the-Box Attic Conversion
A Melbourne art enthusiast went over his head to create a versatile and stylish living space – in the attic
Janet Dunn
18 April 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former NZ House&Garden writer and stylist, and avid interior design enthusiast. Ex-restaurateur and caterer, with a Professional Certificate in Gastronomy, University of Adelaide.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former NZ House&Garden writer and stylist, and avid... More
Inner city terrace houses are not renowned for their extensive spaces, and with heritage protection orders safeguarding many of Melbourne’s examples from the Victorian era, expansion of a terrace footprint is not always practical, possible, or permitted. When the owner of this already-renovated single-fronted terrace wanted to add extra living space, he found a lofty solution – a first floor attic at the rear of the house, which had been an uninspiring spot which he was using to store old furniture.
Attic at a Glance
Who uses it: The owner, his friends, and family members
Location: Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria
Project completed: September 2015
Size: About 50 square metres
Tommaso Spinzi from Spinzi Design is at a loss to define this renovation. “I don’t know what to call it really,” he says. “A study, a retreat, independent living unit…” The crux of the owner’s brief was flexibility, suitability for different age groups and multi-functionality that would cater for all these purposes. It was to include a living area, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, study, built-in wardrobe and balcony.
In line with the owner’s wish to have the attic self-contained, an exterior gate, designed by Spinzi, leads into the rear of the property to an external staircase, giving separate access.
Who uses it: The owner, his friends, and family members
Location: Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria
Project completed: September 2015
Size: About 50 square metres
Tommaso Spinzi from Spinzi Design is at a loss to define this renovation. “I don’t know what to call it really,” he says. “A study, a retreat, independent living unit…” The crux of the owner’s brief was flexibility, suitability for different age groups and multi-functionality that would cater for all these purposes. It was to include a living area, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, study, built-in wardrobe and balcony.
In line with the owner’s wish to have the attic self-contained, an exterior gate, designed by Spinzi, leads into the rear of the property to an external staircase, giving separate access.
The staircase that leads internally to the attic is situated in the lounge and TV room of the main house. “It was pretty small and narrow, and presented some problems for moving large pieces of furniture and building materials,” says Spinzi.
The staircase opens straight into this attic living area, now unrecognisably smart and fresh. A small kitchenette, viewing niche and bathroom (behind the black framed door) sit adjacent to the top of the stairs.
The staircase opens straight into this attic living area, now unrecognisably smart and fresh. A small kitchenette, viewing niche and bathroom (behind the black framed door) sit adjacent to the top of the stairs.
The owner’s taste was for modern functional furniture and an unfussy palette of white accented with black. This colour scheme was chosen to reflect the aesthetic of the many modern and abstract artworks displayed throughout both the main house and the attic. It also relates closely to the external facades of the house.
Walls and ceiling painted in half-strength ‘Lexicon’: Dulux
Walls and ceiling painted in half-strength ‘Lexicon’: Dulux
Centre of attention in the living room is a pair of armchairs displaying the elegant economy of line of good mid-century design. These are Paulistano, in a black powder-coated frame and supple black leather, designed in 1957 by Brazilian designer Paulo Mendes Da Rocha.
Hardwood floors: Woodcut; silk and wool rug: Behruz Studio
Hardwood floors: Woodcut; silk and wool rug: Behruz Studio
A set of double folding doors lead from the living area to the bedroom and study. The striking perforated detail, framed in black, comprises hand-drilled 50-millimetre holes ringed with a hard synthetic material. “The holes give a modern and airy feel and add a touch of playfulness to the design,” says Spinzi.
Most of the cabinetry was designed by Spinzi, including this cabinet, which holds some of the owner’s design books and quirky pieces and hides the view of the bedroom when the doors are open.
Most of the cabinetry was designed by Spinzi, including this cabinet, which holds some of the owner’s design books and quirky pieces and hides the view of the bedroom when the doors are open.
Spinzi has used every inch of space, and tucked behind the screening cabinet is a small open hanging and drawer space for clothing.
The rear side of the screening cabinet forms the bedhead, complete with built-in bedside shelves.
Being directly under the roof, the rooms are vulnerable to Melbourne’s renowned summer heat. The existing insulation was in good condition but air conditioning was installed to supplement it. Extra storage has also been added with under-bed drawers. Two skylights in the angled roof, one in the sitting room and one over the bedroom and study area, bring in welcome natural light.
Being directly under the roof, the rooms are vulnerable to Melbourne’s renowned summer heat. The existing insulation was in good condition but air conditioning was installed to supplement it. Extra storage has also been added with under-bed drawers. Two skylights in the angled roof, one in the sitting room and one over the bedroom and study area, bring in welcome natural light.
One side of the folding door opens to the study area, for which Spinzi designed the cabinetry and incorporated built-in filing cabinets. The desk is constructed to slide out and serve as a dining table when needed.
Wide sliding windows above the desk allow a view of exterior greenery. Translucent woven roller blinds from In Vogue Blinds were chosen for their light minimalist Japanese aesthetic, cutting out some heat but allowing a filtered view of foliage.
Mercury Executive desk chair: Rosier
Wide sliding windows above the desk allow a view of exterior greenery. Translucent woven roller blinds from In Vogue Blinds were chosen for their light minimalist Japanese aesthetic, cutting out some heat but allowing a filtered view of foliage.
Mercury Executive desk chair: Rosier
Integrating the owner’s requirements for a flexible multi-functional space with a modern aesthetic in a small footprint was Spinzi’s main challenge. “I focussed on creating a smart, casual space with a modern eclectic style, keeping in mind the owner’s love of art and artistic tastes,” he says. “He was closely involved in the project at every phase and the attic is now very much a reflection of him.”
Spinzi has repeated the black-and-white palette and modern design theme in the bathroom, located adjacent to the kitchenette. The striped black, white and charcoal waterproof wallpaper that sweeps up one wall and across the ceiling is ‘Charcoal Stripe‘ from Wall Candy. The crisp monochrome stripes are enlivened with metallic detail and make a striking reflection in the fitted mirror.
Spinzi’s preliminary design sketches and 3D model show how a space of less than 50 square metres has accommodated what is a complete and compact living space. Connection to the exterior is maintained in the compact space with a small private deck which runs almost the length of the attic and is accessed from the living room. It allows visitors to enjoy the view of the Japanese-style garden below.
TELL US
Share your thoughts with us on this renovation, and how it has utilised the available space, in the Comments below.
MORE
Stickybeak of the Week: A Penthouse Living Area Dressed to Impress
Stickybeak of the Week: A ‘Birdhouse’ Retreat Just for Grown Ups
Hidden Room: Making the Most of an Attic Space
TELL US
Share your thoughts with us on this renovation, and how it has utilised the available space, in the Comments below.
MORE
Stickybeak of the Week: A Penthouse Living Area Dressed to Impress
Stickybeak of the Week: A ‘Birdhouse’ Retreat Just for Grown Ups
Hidden Room: Making the Most of an Attic Space
Related Stories
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Control the Cost of Your Renovation, Room by Room
Where to save, where to spend (and all the tricks in between) for keeping the cost of your renovation on track
Full Story
Before & After
Before & After: Once Hidden, a Victorian Home's Beauty Unmasked
Peeling back the layers of a series of modernisations and then adding a sympathetic new extension revitalised this home
Full Story
Project Of The Week
An Inspired Solution for a Dark & Disjointed Californian Bungalow
See how an architect opened up a light-starved, closed-in Melbourne home, and connected it with the neighbouring park
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Work With Each Professional in Your Renovation Journey
Here's how to collaborate effectively, and get your money's worth, from each renovation professional
Full Story
Most Popular
Removing a Wall? What to Consider Before You Get Started
Thinking about getting rid of a wall at home to create more open space? Here's what you need to consider first
Full Story
Interior Design
What's Next in Homes? 4 Design Experts Reveal
Do you know which colours, shapes and styles we'll be coveting in the year ahead? Four design pros give the inside scoop
Full Story
Most Popular
Uh-Oh, You Bought a Cave: 7 Ways to Lighten Up a Dark Home
How one homeowner used windows, doors, mirrors and skylights to bring light into her dark, dark home
Full Story
Storage
Renovation Insight: How to Choose & Work With a Cabinet Maker
Custom joinery allows you to tailor a space to suit your needs – here's how to choose the right firm for the job
Full Story
Kitchens
Before & After: A Scandi-Style Kitchen in NZ That's Light & Airy
See this sweet, bright kitchen and dining space in Wellington, which had environmental concerns at the heart of its plan
Full Story
Fantastic! Very clever use of space and stylish too. I wondered if the skylights would let in too much of the Melbourne summer heat that was mentioned.
I want to know how much something like that costs