Lande Architects has designed the revival of Malvern House in Malvern East, Australia.

This project is about a tired house, a retiring couple, and a critique of how we build now compared to the beginning of the last century.

Malvern House was designed for a retiring downsizing couple, who had been searching for their ideal retirement setting for a few years. Having lived in the immediate vicinity for the past 30 years, their net wasn’t one cast wide, but rather one cast with precision and patience.

Tasked with delivering more living space, with better and more meaningful functions, Lande Architects set out to understand how it could cater to a couple who were learning how to do less. Naturally, thoughts progressed more broadly to the concept of time and ageing, and the thought of one generation leaving something to the next.

"We decided to critique why Victorian-era homes seemingly tug at the heartstrings of all generations," said Lande Architects. "Memories, nostalgia, and a sense of romance all seemingly attach themselves to the ornament of these homes."

As an existing Victorian cottage, the key to the brief was the ability to integrate green spaces, natural light and fresh air into the home. Internal courtyards, seamless thresholds and soaring glass now invite the outside in with warmth and light.

This project has been longlisted in the residential rebirth project category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Designer: Lande Architects

Project: Malvern House