The Design Files: Inside the new home that doesn't feel new at all

Who:  Builder Ashley Rowan and retail leasing manager Jac Rowan

Where: North Fitzroy, Victoria

What: Mid-century-inspired new home

Ashley and Jac Rowan live in Melbourne’s North Fitzroy, with family Charli, 13, Cate, 4, Harry, 2, and Max (the King Charles Cavalier). Theirs is a new home that doesn’t feel like that at all.

Inspired, in part, by mid-century architecture, there’s a timeless feeling to this house, which was designed by architecture firm Kennedy Nolan, and built by Rowan.

The couple have lived on the same street, in two different houses, for more than a decade – and always dreamed of building their own home here.

After years of coveting a block of land on their favourite street, the couple jumped at the chance to buy a nondescript 1960s brick-veneer house – one of the few on the street without heritage restrictions.

The pair recognised this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build their dream home in their ideal location – and they “felt a huge obligation to get it right”.

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• Related: The 1960s gem designed by Alistair Knox

The couple had followed the work of architecture firm Kennedy Nolan, admiring their projects and classic, understated aesthetic. The pair met with Rachel Nolan and “instantly formed a strong rapport with her”.

The success of this relationship is evident in the success of the home –a mid-century-inspired, L-shaped family home, designed to take advantage of the north-facing aspect of the block, while also complementing the streetscape.

The build was undertaken by Rowan, and the whole project took about two years, including design, planning, build and moving in.

Now settled for 18 months, the family are loving every aspect of their purpose-built home. For the children, a highlight is the garden, which offers a new expansive play space after years in a terrace house.

For Jac, though, a singular highlight is harder to narrow down. “I love the way the space flows; the kids’ play areas; the kitchen; the huge amount of storage; my wardrobe,” she says. “Just all of it.”

The Design Files guide to choosing an architect:

Designing and building a home from scratch is the biggest investment you’re likely to make. Start by seeking a suitable residential architect, no matter the scale of the project.

• Choose an architect who is registered and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects.
• Research local architects, follow them on social media, look at their projects online, and visit a completed home, if possible.
• Having a good rapport with your architect is paramount. You will be working closely with them so they need to be someone you enjoy spending time with.
• Trust your intuition.

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