Nido II House by Angelucci Architects
Designed by Angelucci Architects, Nido II House combines the old with the new, bringing a petite cottage back to its original Victorian roots.
Words: Georgie Ward | Photography: Dylan James
The original façade of the home was maintained and celebrated. Photo: Dylan James
Retaining the existing scale and sense of volume, the original home was restored, opening up to a rear addition as an extension of the living areas. Photo: Dylan James
Nestled on a corner of a North Carlton suburban street, Angelucci Architect’s Nido ll house flaunts its facade and unique tiled exterior that stands out from its surroundings.
Built in 1885, the modest Victorian cottage resonated the ornate and decorative ambitions and aspirations of its era. Angelucci Architects wanted to bring the design of the home back to it’s heritage roots, whilst remaining relative to its contemporary setting of inner-city Melbourne.
The eclectic exterior features handmade Belgium brick lined with a hand-scalloped Welsh slate tile that gives the home a beautifully unique scaled look.
To bring life and vivacity to the once-shadowed home, the architects built for natural light to flow into every space of the family property, as well as establish connectedness and openness throughout.
‘As architects we wanted the occupants of the home to feel connected to their community, to feel the pleasure of living in a small space by viewing the vastness of its location,’ says Enza Angelucci.
The flowing nature of the interior spaces, the curved walls, Victorian western windows and lofted ceilings, all extend the eye upwards and out, to the expansive view of the Melbourne city horizon.
The home feels deep with rich layers of textural diversity, exuding a welcoming warmth. Photo: Dylan James
The new elements and finishes within the interior take on a detailed approach. Photo: Dylan James
“The project was coined from the Italian word ‘nido’ meaning birds nest or kindergarten, so fitting for a project that developed from its mid-twentieth century migrant history in the area.”
‘During demolition there was evidence that the original home had stacked and scalloped slate tiles covering its roof. We took this original decorative pattern and redesigned it into the extension,’ says Enza Angelucci. Photo: Dylan James
The combining of a contemporary value of light and a connection to natural elements was key to forming the brief. Photo: Dylan James
A combination of imported European bricks, Japanese tiles and Welsh slate complete the home, connecting back to its original beginnings. Photo: Dylan James
‘We used red bricks with a green mortar to imbue the colours of nature. We wanted the courtyard to feel soft and natural even though it is fundamentally hard surfaces,’ says Enza Angelucci. Photo: Dylan James
Attention to detail and craftsmanship can be seen in each of the spaces, including the bathroom. Photo: Dylan James
The interior is warm, deliberately muted and encasing, just like a nest. Photo: Dylan James
With each level connected to the outdoors via a central courtyard, the homeowners and their young family can play and work in the presence of one another.
The family’s children were central to the design consideration, with its upstairs bedrooms directly connected to the roof deck, including a cubby house in the existing Victorain terrace roof space and a vertical garden for planting whilst the views of the city skyline and neighboring rooftops frame outdoor activities.
Built as the builder’s own home, the exceptional crafting is evident with the finish of traditional materials throughout. The terrazzo concrete floors, scalloped slate tiles and the Australian and Japanese handmade courtyard tiles creates rich layers of textural diversity that echoes its original beginnings and exudes a welcoming warmth to the home.
‘We included a large sunken curved agape bath hidden behind timber batten wall that sits next to the living room and extends out onto the courtyard space,’ says Enza Angelucci. Photo: Dylan James
The children’s space with built-in bunk beds on the upper level of the home. Photo: Dylan James
