Elwood 2 | Robson Rak
Robson Rak directors Kathryn Robson and Chris Rak design their own home in Melbourne’s Elwood, for their busy family of four.
Words: Thida Sachathep I Photography: Shannon McGrath
Drawing on skills honed through the years of creating other people’s dream homes, the directors finally become their own client and the results of contemporising the double-brick home are thrilling. Apart from following a narrative that conserves the Edwardian appeal, the home is transformed into a relaxing haven, pared-back with simple textures, materials and colours. The blank interior canvas thus becomes the ideal backdrop for both Kathryn and Chris’s vast selection of artwork, sculpture and furniture.
Finding the equilibrium not only between the old and new features, but also of creating a restrained interior that feels warm, the home confronts the pretence that minimalistic interiors often carry the connotations for being cold and uninviting. Simple gestures, such as preserving the Edwardian era arches in the corridor and complementing them with injections of colour in the artwork and linen, elevates the interior to become a rich atmosphere.
“Apart from following a narrative that conserves the Edwardian appeal, the home is transformed into a relaxing haven, pared-back with simple textures, materials and colours. ”
For both Kathryn and Chris, designing their own house was an opportunity to create architecture that is not constrained by requirements of a second party. A building with pure architectural expression, from the client, to the build and evident in all details, this residence pushes the boundary between sustainable, timeless and elegant design – demonstrating Robson Rak’s ability to establish the dream home.
“Simple gestures, such as preserving the Edwardian era arches in the corridor and complementing them with injections of colour in the artwork and linen, elevates the interior to become a rich atmosphere.”
