Doll's House | Edwards Moore

The Doll's House is an extension to a small workers cottage in Fitzroy. Retaining the existing Street frontage and primary living areas whilst fragmenting the building addition beyond through the creation of two courtyards which serve to separate yet connect the functions for living. Despite being small and narrow, measuring only 4 by 23 metres, the Doll's House appears spacious giving the illusion of more space on the other side of each wall with echoes of the home's history reflected in discreetly choreographed gold panels located throughout the space. Not a single door obstructs the walk from one end of this recently completed renovation to another, with the passageway along the southern edge of the Doll’s House maintaining spatial and visual connections between all living areas. On the northern side, the courtyard gardens play a central role in creating the illusion of space. Designed to obscure the perceived spatial arrangement of the Doll’s House, drench the house in natural light, ventilate the interior and act as circulation zones opening the house to the garden. Glass doors allow constant views to and from the courtyards making their open spaces appear as part of the interior. Views to other rooms connect the spaces making them feel larger than they are. The abundance of natural light refracting off the all White interior creates a sense of the whimsical, an otherworldly environment hidden amongst the urban grain. The seemingly uncomplicated Doll’s House harbours immense detail in its mix of materials forming a rustic yet industrial, functional yet ethereal atmosphere. A collection of raw and untreated finishes creating a grit that compliments the owner's desire for an uncomplicated living arrangement.