Located in Melbourne’s inner suburb of Kew, Pettigrew House was initially built in 1943 by Robin Boyd. Boyd is arguably Australia’s most influential architect there’s ever been, and this historically significant home was his first residential design.

The Pettigrew-Boyd House spreads over two levels consisting of a master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, powder-room, gallery-style kitchen/laundry, formal living room, rumpus room and two bedrooms. Over the course of 24 months to design and 12 months to build, Flack Studio undertook the full scope project focussing on materiality, integrity, detail and spatial planning.They delivered a complete furniture, furnishings, art and object package in collaboration with Simone Haag.

“Working on a Robin Boyd home emphasised the importance of working with honest materials and allowing the personality of the home to shine,” says Flack Studio.Flack Studiodid extensive research on Robin Boyd – their intention was to create a space that would allow it to cater for modern-day life and the way we live in the 21st century.

The clients’complete trust allowed Flack Studio to come up with a design that didn’t compromise Boyd’s original ideas, but enhance them.“Our clients were clear they didn’t want to live in a museum and wanted a little drama,”says David.The home had to feel classic and wear well for the next 70 years.

Everything was touched in the space – restoration to existing timberwork, through to replacement of like-for-like materiality where possible.Extensive spatial planning allowed for the addition of a powder room, master bathroom, master robe, kitchen with adjoining scullery and laundry, which was previously accessed from the exterior of the house.

“Although not as straightforward as one may seem, the brief was always clear – provide the functional requirements for this young family home, while preserving and honouring a significant piece of Australia’s architectural history,”says David. “Flack and Boyd felt like a comfortable fit from the beginning, a similar approach to spatial planning and ensuring everything had a place.