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Projects

Private

Doll’s House

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.

Client
Private
Location
Northcote, VIC
Country
Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung
Year
2014 – 2015

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
Interiors, Residential
Status
Completed
Year
2014 – 2015
Location
Northcote, VIC
Country
Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung
Photographer
Shannon McGrath
Hilary Walker
Awards
2015 WAN House of the Year Award, Shortlisted
2015 Houses Awards, Shortlisted, House Alterations and Additions
2015 Interior Design Awards, Shortlisted
Press
2015 Playtime in the doll’s house, Doll’s House, The Age, March 28
2015 Doll’s House, Houses Magazine, Issue 103, April
2016 Playing House, Doll’s House, Inside Out Magazine, Issue 141, November
2016 Made by hand and from the heart, Dolls House, Domain, November
2015 Opening acts, Doll’s House, Australian Financial Review, May
Doll’s House · BKK Architects