Mary Street House by Edition Office: A Contemporary Reimagining of a Federation-Era Home in Saint Kilda West, Australia

Designed by the visionary team at Edition Office, led by architects Kim Bridgland and Aaron Roberts, the Mary Street House (2022) is an exceptional architectural project that transforms a well-worn Federation-era residence into a modern urban sanctuary. Located at the end of a quiet street in Saint Kilda West, Melbourne, this home thoughtfully addresses its challenging urban context — open on three sides and adjacent to a busy arterial road — while maximizing natural light and spatial comfort.

Architectural Concept & Design Approach

The architects set out to create a harmonious dialogue between the old and the new, blending the restored heritage fabric with bold contemporary interventions. The softly finished recycled brick walls play a pivotal role, shaping a series of indoor and outdoor social spaces within the property’s compact boundaries. This approach allows the home to embrace the northern sun, flooding the interior with natural daylight while carefully shielding inhabitants from street noise through the strategic placement of masonry fences.

At the heart of the home lies a luminous dining space, nestled deep within the brick walls and illuminated by a skylight integrated into the new concrete ceiling. This clever architectural move introduces a vertical shaft of light that acts as the central spatial and social pivot of the house, connecting various rooms seamlessly while enhancing the ambiance.

Interior Experience & Materiality

Upon entering, visitors transition through a carefully curated passageway where old meets new — the textured masonry walls, crafted from recycled bricks with mortar finishes, echo the original heritage aesthetic. This tactile journey creates a unique spatial experience, guiding occupants through a fluid interplay of private and communal areas.

The new wing’s rooftop features two distinctive brick volumes. One contains the principal bedroom suite complete with a private courtyard garden, offering a serene retreat lined with rich, dark-spotted gum plywood — a material choice that fosters warmth and quietude. Adjacent to it, a smaller brick volume houses a cozy studio, both volumes visually and physically balancing the home's overall composition while respecting the character of the surrounding Victorian terraces.

Sustainable Architecture & Environmental Response

Sustainability was central to the design. The project incorporates low-cost, naturally resilient materials, prioritizing recycled bricks for their thermal mass properties, which contribute to maintaining stable internal temperatures. This reduces reliance on artificial climate control while also dampening external noise pollution from the nearby arterial road.

The spatial planning is carefully considered to minimize the impact on neighboring properties. By positioning the new volumes to the north and utility spaces to the south, the design preserves daylight access for adjacent homes and allows sunlight to penetrate into the main living areas throughout the day.

Landscape & Community Integration

Landscape design by Amanda Oliver Gardens complements the architecture with verdant outdoor spaces that promote social interaction and community connection. A low garden fence invites views into the home’s outdoor social zone, which includes a welcoming fire pit — encouraging a sense of openness and neighborhood engagement.

Photography & Recognition

Captured exquisitely by photographer Rory Gardiner, the Mary Street House highlights Edition Office’s mastery in balancing heritage conservation with modern living needs. This project stands as a compelling example of sensitive urban infill architecture in Melbourne, blending history, sustainability, and innovative design.

All Photographs are works of Rory Gardiner