Stewart House / SSdH

Architects: SSdH
Year: 2024
Photography: Pier Carthew
Builders: Wilderness Build Co
Lead Architects: Todd de Hoog, Harrison Smart, Jean-Marie Spencer
Styling: Jess Kneebone
City: Melbourne
Country: Australia

Stewart House, a residential project by SSdH in Brunswick, Melbourne, preserves and celebrates the 1970s brown brick-veneer house, reflecting a significant yet underrecognized period in Australia’s architectural history. Completed in 2024, the design integrates new elements with existing conditions, emphasizing minimal intervention and the principles of the Burra Charter. The project sets an example for cost-effective, environmentally conscious architectural solutions without compromising the unique character of Melbourne’s suburbs.

Although the Stewart House does not meet the typical criteria for heritage value and lies outside a designated heritage overlay, it embraces the Burra Charter principles. The design celebrates the 1970s brown brick-veneer Brunswick house, a crucial element of Melbourne’s built character. The strategy focuses on both new elements and light-touch design interventions for significant impact. Internally, blending new and existing conditions intentionally leaves viewers questioning where interventions begin and end.

Stewart House highlights the value of preserving this housing type while considering economic and environmental impacts. Minimal intervention or opting for no changes has proven effective.

This strategy, overcoming budget constraints, sets an example for suburban development without compromising character or contribution to the city. Documenting such projects through awards and publications communicates the value of thoughtful architectural intervention and its potential impact.

Tectonic and functional elements are celebrated through color, material, and form. Stewart House provides a cost-effective precedent by resisting trends to increase size and add excess materials. Architectural elements usually concealed take center stage, such as two structural columns supporting the new northern opening. Painted in vibrant glossy blue, the columns highlight new connections between the interior and future landscaped areas. Standard window sections, reconfigured and elevated through scale and mill-finished aluminum, reflect light throughout the interior, softening and patina over time, celebrating utilitarian solutions.

Under a propped roof, a glazing suite allows northern light access to previously disconnected spaces. An east-facing daybed replaces a sliding door. Protected by existing eaves, the new volume provides more morning light and space. A new kitchen reflects the existing character, maintaining an existing blind to integrate new with old. A single bathroom becomes two, practical for a family of four. Material selection and visual connection to context leave viewers questioning where interventions start and end.

Stewart House is an ongoing project, reflecting the realities of economical architecture. Occupation informs future stages, impacting landscape design, budget adjustments, and sustainable living improvements. This ongoing process, removed from the traditional handover, provides learning opportunities as the project adapts to new conditions.