Mary Street House Alterations, Hawthorn

The alterations to Mary Street House were focused on bringing light into an existing 1970’s brick veneer house, enlivening a previously dull entrance. The constraints of a tight budget informed the decision to focus work within the existing foyer, without the need to build out or extend.

An abstract composition of skylights was introduced to animate and bring light into this important nodal point. Volumes and architectural elements push in and out and lines are extended to create a dynamic play of light and shadow across the space, changing over the course of the day.

The skylights are concealed allowing a soft light to filter in without revealing the source. The quality and play of light gives the space a beguiling quality and creates an implied sense of space around different levels.