Tucked away in the leafy suburbs of Melbourne, Conrad Architects’ Middle Park Residence is a contemporary take on a classic Australian residence, where architecture creates a symbiosis of old and the new. Responding to the needs of a growing family, the home incorporates a modern, second story addition accommodating the functional brief of three bedrooms, formal and informal living, kitchen with scullery, laundry, study, rear garage and studio. 

Defined by a simplified interpretation of traditional heritage detailing, the interiors exemplify a calming, quiet and luxurious take on a relaxed interior. Hidden behind the restored tessellated tiles and exterior tuck pointed brickwork that adorn the front of the house, the long hallway leads into the open plan kitchen and sitting area – floating past the master suite and a magnificent spiral staircase.

Fitted with chevron hardwood flooring in delicate yet character-filled tones of grey, and elevated with magnificent arched ceiling elements, the space sets the scene for the interiors that unveil themselves past the entryway. The narrow chevron format gently draws the eye towards the main living space and outdoor area while providing an exquisite, textural experience throughout.

The subtle grey of Fossil shade in the oil finish brings out the captivating knots and veins of the European Oak, providing a grounding backdrop for its surroundings. In the corridor – bathed in the natural light coming through the adjacent courtyard – the repetitive angles of the chevron enhance the poetic curvature of the staircase and the flow of the sculpted ceilings above. The main living space sees the flooring melt into the surrounding visual and textural palette, as the angled edges of the wooden panels complement the black framing of the back wall.

With the stunning period features that have been redefined through the prism of a contemporary vision and practical needs of a growing family, the sense of luxurious calm, and the overwhelming presence of careful craftsmanship, Hakwood’s timeless flooring brings interiors together and perfectly combines both past and present. 

George Fethers is proud to represent Hakwood in Australia, a Dutch inspired manufacturer providing bespoke solutions in timber flooring, walls, ceilings and stairs.

Photography by Sharyn Cairns.