In this refurbished heritage home, architect Albert Mo’s gentle use of colour and thoughtful selection of natural stone and porcelain elevates the home beyond monochromatic simplicity through texture and materiality.
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Refurbishing this three-storey terrace, steeped in Melbourne’s architectural heritage, demanded expert attention to detail. Architect Albert Mo embraced the challenge of introducing more light, designing a series of precise inserts to seamlessly connect internal spaces and welcome natural light throughout. As part of this strategy, Albert has connected the kitchen and formal living areas, unlocking the shared light coming from the east-facing back of the home.
The kitchen, too, received new architectural inserts and is defined by a sophisticated interplay of textures and materials. The 6.5-metre-long island bench doubles as dining plus storage, finished in Urban White porcelain panels that offer both aesthetic beauty and all the advantages of porcelain’s incredible durability and easy maintenance.
A highlight of this space is the Grigio Orsola joinery. With its cloudy, neutral tones and hints of mushroom-hued veining, the Grigio Orsola joinery supports Albert’s interior approach of sophistication with a touch of opulence.
A gentle use of colour serves to elevate each space beyond monochromatic simplicity. This is achieved through a refined and subtle palette of olives, blues and browns which are contrasted against moments of black and white.
Albert has added skylights to the upstairs ensuite and bathroom where Opus stone (cabinetry) and Fiandre Urban White tiles (flooring and walls) continue the story of subtly opulent sophistication.
In the main bathroom a freestanding Agape Lariana Bath, designed by Patricia Urquiola for Agape, is all European charm with overt references to the Italian Lake Como.
In the bedroom, a monolithic bedhead doubles as a room divider. Clad in porcelain panelling of Urban White, this finish feels warm yet neutral; smooth to touch yet texturally reminiscent of the brushed and shadowed surfaces of concrete.
At 146 years old, this house begins a new chapter under Albert’s architectural guardianship. By carefully blending its rich heritage with modern interventions, he has elevated the lifestyle of the family who dwell within.
Words by Alice Blackwood
Photography by Shannon McGrath