Designed as an architect’s own family home, this inspired “black, white, timber house” transforms a unique inner-city corner site (232m2, with wide 6.8m frontage) into a light-filled, easy-living residence that feels both grounded in history and confidently contemporary.
The original cottage frontage has been respectfully retained to honour the existing streetscape, while a refined architectural addition unfolds beyond, revealing a flexible and highly liveable TARDIS-like home across two sprawling levels. Living spaces are positioned at the heart of the home to take full advantage of the site’s generous width, allowing daylight, views and natural ventilation. In summer, the home opens seamlessly to gardens and decks, capturing cooling cross-breezes, while in winter it remains warm and welcoming, filled with natural light.
The superbly appointed kitchen, featuring fully integrated Liebherr fridge and freezer, VZUG, Miele, and Qaisar appliances, anchors the main living zone, combining stone benchtops, black overhead and under-bench cabinetry and warm timber accents, with excellent storage and a strong connection to the dining area. Throughout the home, thoughtful planning delivers adaptable spaces that adapt easily to family living, working from home and entertaining. Upstairs, accommodation is quietly zoned, while the restrained form of the upper level ensures the contemporary addition remains a backdrop to the original cottage. Elevated outlooks and city views further enhance the sense of connection to the surrounding urban landscape.
Designed with long-term sustainability in mind, the home incorporates double glazing throughout, hydronic heating, ceiling fans, high levels of insulation to walls, roofs and floors, rainwater harvesting for garden and toilet use, photovoltaic panels, solar hot water and low-energy lighting. All to significantly reduce energy consumption and running costs.
Outdoors, generous decking and neatly maintained, low-maintenance gardens create multiple zones for outdoor living, complemented by side access from Batman Street, a secure garage with provision for electric vehicle charging, and a welcoming front porch ideal for morning coffee.
Perfectly positioned in a tightly held pocket in the heart of Fitzroy North, the home enjoys easy access to Nicholson and North Fitzroy Villages, with the city centre also within close reach. Excellent public transport options include Tram Routes 96, 1, 6 and 11, all within walking distance. Education options are extensive, with zoning for Fitzroy North Primary School and Fitzroy High School, alongside St Joseph’s Primary School and proximity to Melbourne University and RMIT. Outdoor recreation is equally well catered for, with Edinburgh Gardens and the Merri Creek Linear Reserve all nearby, offering green open space, walking trails and community amenity.
For further information, please visit: https://cathicollaarchitects.com/project/black-white-timber-house/
Designed by Cathi Colla Architects
We donate a portion of our fee from every property transaction to the Woodards Foundation to support people experiencing homelessness, family violence and social isolation.
