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Private

Doll's House

Projects

Doll’s House is an idea about providing flexible, highly sustainable living that is responsive to its context and able to adapt to the changing needs of a family over a long life-span.

The first known doll’s house, originally called a baby house in 1557, was a showcase for local creatives and craftspeople to display their wares. The doll’s house later became a toy for children; a space of imagination.

Shared ideas of creativity, craftsmanship, play and imagination underpin this house, while also mirroring the flexibility of a doll’s house where a bedroom can become a living room or dining room if you simply move furniture or joinery.

The house’s new addition is largely made up of two spaces stacked upon each other with no doors or walls, just furniture and joinery to divide space and imply use.

The two levels of the house are treated quite distinctly: the lower level is sunk below grade and heavily grounded, while the upper is soaring into the treetops.

The new addition frees up the plan of the old house. The former living and dining areas have become a flexible buffer space with an artist studio and playroom that place creativity and play at the centre of the home.

For

Private

Sector

Residential

Status

Completed

Year

2014 – 2015

Location

Northcote, VIC

Country

Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung

Photographer

Shannon McGrath & Hilary Walker

Selected Awards

2015 WAN House of the Year Award 2015, Shortlisted
2015 Houses Awards, House Alterations and Additions, Shortlisted
2015 Interior Design Awards, Shortlisted