_The Villa

RENOVATION / PONSONBY

A personal project for the founder of Good_Space + her family. The Barn was designed by John Irving alongside Jade, creating a calm, light-filled + open space that used natural + reclaimed materials. It’s where the passion for Wellness Architecture originated, a biophilic designed villa conversion that seamlessly blended the old + the new.

A smart home Fibaro system was installed to control both the natural + artificial lighting elements, optimising shade through roller blinds + louvers. Creating a comfortable + glare-free environment. This, along with a focus on acoustics saw the internally generated noise buffered via a tongue + groove texture of the ceiling. Given the location, street noise was further mitigated via the installation of double glazed windows + sound proof insulation at the front of the home.

_Featured:

  • Urbis

  • Your Home & Garden (cover)

  • Inside Out

  • Homes to Love (AUS)

_Collaborators:

Architect / Studio John Irving

Builder / 505 Construction

Good_Space Method

    • Enhanced ventilation system installed to both the existing and new build

    • A focus on-toxic materials was implemented with the support of the building team and contractors

    • The new extension opens out completely with stacked glass sliders, providing unmatched natural ventilation in the warmer months

    • Furnishing consisted of natural and reclaimed materials

    • The kitchen has a counter-mounted extraction unit to expel cooking smoke and odours

    • Water filtration is installed to the kitchen area

    • The small pool is efficient, ensuring minimal water wastage and maximum entertainment

    • A water feature provides a peaceful view from the kitchen and living areas

    • Plentiful natural light via the mono-pitched ceiling

    • All of the old lighting in the villa was replaced by energy efficient LED

    • Electronic blinds shield the late afternoon sun that streams into the property

    • Feature lighting highlights the brick wall in the kitchen

    • Natural textures and patterns of nature feature highly in this home

    • The connection to the outside space is seamless via the glazing, inviting the outside in

    • A lush living wall above the pool further softens the space and provides a natural view from the kitchen and living area

    • Given the location, street noise was mitigated via the installation of double glazed windows + sound proof insulation

    • The tongue and groove ceiling is an intentional sound buffer for the mono-pitched design

    • The water feature provides a natural sound masking for the property

    • The villa was lovingly deconstructed and restored, with many materials salvaged and diverted from landfill

    • Bricks that formed both an internal and external wall were salvaged from the Victoria Park precinct

    • The floorboards from the old part of the house were used to create the bathroom vanities

    • The feature pendant in the kitchen was sourced secondhand, powder-coated and reconfigured into a modern design

    • Brass door handles are vintage, polished anew

    • Sitting area chairs are also vintage, recovered in black leather

    • And various interior styling elements sourced from travels both local and far flung locations

“Jade and I have enjoyed working together on a few projects now, the best projects are a collaboration and Jade is a dream collaborator. She has a great design eye, is fun to work with and a great human. She also knows how to get it done. If you are lucky enough to work with Jade then I salute you.”

John Irving / Architect

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