- Project: Central Park Road Residence
- Architect: Studio Four Architects
- Location: Australia, Malvern, Melbourne
- Area: 489 m2
- Photography: Shannon McGrath
The Central Park Road Residence is a striking example of how an existing structure can be reborn through sensitive architectural intervention. Originally a 1970s brown-brick home marked by dim interiors and excessive detailing, this residence in Melbourne’s Malvern suburb has been transformed by Studio Four Architects into a minimalist sanctuary—imbued with warmth, clarity, and a quiet modernity.
From Dated to Distilled: The Concept Behind the Renovation
The architectural vision was clear: strip away the unnecessary and return the home to its authentic form. The design team approached the renovation as an exercise in architectural honesty, using unadorned materials, simplified geometries, and thoughtful spatial sequencing.
“The value of this renovation lies not just in its function or shelter, but in the act of repurposing—conserving the heart and soul of the forgotten,” – Studio Four Architects
A new oversized eave defines the entry point and reinforces the horizontality of the structure, while punctured landscaping and expanded fenestration introduce natural light and a softened arrival experience. The dark, enclosed interiors of the past are now flooded with light, encouraging interaction with the outdoors while maintaining privacy and serenity.
A Home Rooted in ‘Hygge’ and Architectural Purism
Inspired by the Danish heritage of the homeowners, the new design channels the principles of hygge—comfort, contentment, and simple pleasures. Every detail of the layout and material selection serves this ethos:
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Solid brick walls from the exterior transition into the interior, framing functional zones like the kitchen, dining, and bar areas.
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Portal openings and plate glass inserts encourage visual connection while maintaining acoustic separation.
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Horizontal brick joint raking and filled vertical joints reinforce the architectural language of grounded solidity.
The interiors celebrate truth in materials—exposed brick, unembellished surfaces, and natural textures create a calm, tactile atmosphere that avoids superficial design gestures.
Layered Spaces, Mindful Living
Unlike a typical open-plan layout that risks feeling soulless, Studio Four designed a sequence of layered spaces that unfold gradually. This creates a dynamic spatial experience: communal, yet intimate; open, yet acoustically zoned.
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The kitchen and meals area act as the heart of the home, surrounded by interconnected living, dining, and bar zones.
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Framed views, garden connections, and natural cross-ventilation bring the outside in, enhancing both comfort and environmental performance.
This subtle yet powerful transformation proves that renovation can be more than renewal—it can be a return to meaning, where architecture connects deeply with both place and people.
Central Park Road Residence stands as a quietly powerful case study in architectural restraint—proof that less can indeed be more when it comes to timeless, soulful design.
