Bridge House
From the street, this 1880s Victorian terrace in Carlton maintains its heritage charm—pristine white façade, ornate wrought iron, and period proportions. But beyond the front door lies a bold and contemporary three-level home, seamlessly concealed behind the original streetscape.
Designed for a growing family, this compact site, just over 100m²,once housed stables and an outdoor toilet. With both now removed, the brief called for three bedrooms, a second living area, and the flexibility to accommodate interstate guests, all within tight spatial constraints.
To the rear, a striking two-storey addition abuts a laneway. At ground level, a steel-framed garage with translucent glass panels offers privacy and natural light, doubling as a flexible living space or sheltered play area. Above, an aluminium-clad master suite floats discreetly over the laneway, maximising amenity without overwhelming the site.
Internally, a new side-positioned staircase with wide timber treads and balustrade replaces the original steep and narrow stair. The kitchen features black granite bench tops and floating island, complemented by full-height black butt joinery, bringing warmth and refinement to the open-plan living space
Upstairs, natural light floods into the bedrooms, with a bridge connecting the children’s zone to the parents’ retreat. A third level, hidden behind the Victorian parapet, provides a quiet second living space complete with a kitchenette, perfect for privacy, relaxation, or extended stays.
Throughout, Angelucci Architects embraced the home’s layered history. When theoriginal staircase was removed, soot-stained bricks revealed beneath were preservedas a textured relic of the past. Even a new outdoor toilet nods to the original 'dunny',honouring the rhythm and rituals of terrace life while making space for contemporaryfamily living.
Dorrit Street House
Carlton, Victoria
Completed: 2020
