A three-storey house in Fitzroy North, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, designed by Melbourne architecture and interior design studio Splinter Society. Showcasing its storied industrial history, the divided society combines an elaborate approach and a deliberate emotional palette to create a series of Spaces that tell the past and present. The Splinter Society takes an emotionally rich approach, layering textures and tactile elements to combine the old with the new. Freed from the boldness of the building and the melancholy of its tone, the large Spaces within the building act as a counterweight.

The design is first and fore­most a process of reduction to allow the character of the original building to be the primary feature. A key component of this is to retain and reveal the masonry construction giving the home an undeniable warehouse feel. Many original details such as arched doors and fire­places are maintained in working order. Where possible the imperfection of the brick walls are celebrated as an indication of their history. At a few points glazing is used to fill gaps in the masonry to clearly delineate what is original and what is new. At the ground level, the original timber ceilings are also exposed. 

Once two separate townhouses, the space is bisect­ed by a masonry wall across all three stories which forms the axis for circulation. The levels are joined by a stair which hangs from this wall, inspired by an industrial fire stair. Dividing the plan perpendicularly, a central core forms a chimney like feature which extends through a 9m high sky­light while providing joinery elements to each of the spaces. With­in the three dimensional cross section, half of the house if zoned for public spaces, a quarter to more intimate spaces and the remaining quarter forms the dramatic void which connects the three stories and entry.

The consider­able internal space is practically indiscernible from the unassuming traditional exterior. The entry is set back from the original facade creating an entry court­yard and allowing a 3‑storey glass facade to bring a substantial amount of light into the spaces as well as opening up to a large tree canopy in the streets cape. A large door is fashioned from 140-year-old timber joists repurposed from the demolition.

As a balance to the larger architectural spaces, the living spaces are much more intimate, characterised by subtle colours, texture and plush soft furnishings. Rough sawn timber lines the walls and recycled timber creates joinery adding warmth. Strong black detailing in the new areas create a distinctly modern contrast to the brick­work of the original building while linking to the industrial character.