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At first glance, this award-winning, architect-designed home could easily be described as “unique”.
The light-filled dwelling wraps around a central, circular courtyard in a captivating passive design that earned it a gong at the Victorian Architecture Awards shortly after it was built in 2000.
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But owner Annie McIntyre says the seemingly original design reminds her of two renowned Melbourne houses – the heritage Roy Grounds House in Toorak, which also served as a design prototype for the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), and the steel-framed cantilever River House in Kew, built and designed in the 1950s by McIntyre’s parents, notable architects Peter and Dione McIntyre.
“I grew up in the River House with my family so this reminds me of the light-filled spaces there,” says McIntyre, who is also an architect.
Now with her parents in their 90s, McIntrye is selling the two-bedroom house at 54A Connell St, Hawthorn, to move back and take ownership of the River House.
Each room at the Connell St residence is arranged around the courtyard which features a mature tree in the centre and contributes to the sustainable, passive design of the home.
McIntrye says that while the Roy Grounds house features a bamboo tree at the centre of its similarly circular courtyard, her Hawthorn home boasts a sturdy, mature tree for its cooling properties.
The home also has a shallow roof which collects rainwater and contributes to the natural cooling system.
“On a hot day you open the windows and with the water collected in the roof and the tree in the courtyard, hot air rises out of the top through the courtyard and you get this convection current,” McIntyre says.
Other eye catching features include a built-in study nook with shelving, perfect for remote work, and a stylish bathroom that feels “like an outdoor spa”.
“It’s very Japanese, like an onsen experience,” says McIntyre.
“The bathroom opens out fully to the courtyard and tree so it’s like an outdoor spa.”
She adds that she loves the way the light filters through the different spaces, creating playful shadows on the walls.
“There’s also a creek behind the house so you can hear the trickling of the water … it really feels like you’re in Kyoto,” she says.
McIntyre has lived at the property for seven years and has restored and renewed it over time.
She adds that it’s a “beautiful space” to display things like furniture and artwork.
In addition to two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, the home also boasts a Carrara marble kitchen, an automatic garage behind the electric sliding entrance gate, and video intercom access.
It is listed with a $1.7m-$1.8m asking price with Jellis Craig Boroondara agent Chloe Quinn ahead of its auction on October 21.
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emily.holgate@news.com.au
Originally published as Hawthorn: Passive home that ‘feels like you’re in Kyoto’ wraps around circular courtyard
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