Spanish Queen House by Robson Rak
Spanish mission architecture and 1920s splendour reign supreme in Robson Rak’s revival of a family home in Melbourne.
Photography: Felix Forest
Award-winning Melbourne based architectural and design firm Robson Rak has designed a Spanish mission-style alteration and addition in Melbourne’s Brighton which draws on opulent materials and 1920s glamour.
The design’s rich layering of materials has enhanced the atmosphere of the interior; from the grey limestone floors in the kitchen, to the extra deep travertine bench tops and feature Cloud 37 Chandelier from Apparatus Studio, there is so much to love in every corner.
The renovation maintains all of the home’s classic glory while providing considerate, modern-day functionality by opening up the back of the space to let in more natural light. “The main kitchen space is south facing which is normally perceived as the dark side of a house - this house; however, is washed in a beautiful amount of direct and indirect southern light, with large windows and doors that we designed to wrap up to form a glass roof. The room opens up and is flooded with a beautiful amount of natural light at all times –southern light is underrated in Australia!” says Kathryn Robson principle architect at Robson Rak.
A mix of brand new and vintage pieces were sourced by the designers to achieve a more layered aesthetic, adding to the character and history of the semi-Mediterranean architecture. The formal sitting and dining room feature the modern elements such as the Timothy Oulton Propellor coffee table and Pierre Augustin sofa, both juxtaposing against the traditional fireplace with the space.
The formal lounge features two velvet Pierre Augustin sofas, a custom Halcyon Lake rug and the Cloud 37 Chandelier by by Apparatus Studio. Photo - Felix Forest.
“One of my favourite materials in this home is the Contemporary Leather ‘Verona Porcelain'‘ leather used on a new curved banquette seating in the formal sitting room”, says Kathryn Robson from Robson Rak. Photo - Felix Forest.
The kitchen features the Twig 5 Pendant by Apparatus Studio. Photo - Felix Forest.
“This house is washed in a beautiful amount of direct and indirect southern light by the way of large windows and doors that we designed to also wrap up to form a glass roof. ”
Grey limestone floors were selected for the rear kitchen and living area, with deep travertine benchtops. Photo - Felix Forest.
The rear kitchen and living area Photo - Felix Forest.
Photo - Felix Forest.
“There are so many beautiful spaces in this home it’s hard to select one favourite.”
“The marble and metal detailing is layered and sumptuous, and the lighting in the wine racks creates a dramatic vibe,” says Kathryn Robson of the design details of the bar. Photo - Felix Forest.
The bar under the stairs in the entry — a great way to use dead space and provide a purpose for the destination. Photo - Felix Forest.
“The bar we’ve created under the stairs in the entry is a favourite design element — it’s a great way to use dead space and provides a purpose for this destination. ”
The light-filled main bedroom space. Photo - Felix Forest.
Bedroom details. Photo - Felix Forest.
The freestanding bathtub in the monochrome bathroom. Photo - Felix Forest.
The Signal Sconce by Workstead alongside the bathroom mirror.Photo - Felix Forest.
Photo - Felix Forest.
The Signal Pendant by Workstead alongside the bathroom mirror, with stone from CDK Stone. Photo - Felix Forest.