Sitting on a rare corner allotment in Carlton North, Il Nido House retains its existing heritage expression of the Victorian era while extending downwards, backwards and upwards. The original workers cottage maintains a quaint charm and slightness, reminiscent of its time, and the crafted detail within the comprising brickwork offers a cue into the level of handcrafted detailing that went into its inception. As a continuation of that story between building and making by hand, the new elements take on a similar detailed approach, utilising a similar materiality and extension of proportion, while clearly reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. With architecture and interiors by Angelucci Architects and styling by Karin Bochnik, the resulting home feels deep with rich layers of textural diversity, exuding a welcoming warmth.

The combining of a contemporary value of light and a connection to natural elements was key to forming the new brief, and ensuring the home felt appropriate, despite its heritage connections.Built by Belarte, Il Nido House has a translation of ‘the nest’ and each new addition and alteration stems from this common theme. Retaining the existing scale and sense of volume, the original home is restored and opens up to a rear addition as an extension of the living areas of the home, while also burrowing deeper into the site with its newly formed basement level and, above, connecting to an additional level and roof terrace space. The combining of a contemporary value of light and a connection to natural elements was key to forming the new brief, and ensuring the home felt appropriate, despite its heritage connections. Restoring the original Victorian home becomes the anchor for the overarching approach, with the new elements representing a natural evolution.

Within its tight 120 square metre site allotment, the additional 70 square metres of floor area allows for the basement, upper floor and terrace to add significant value to the home, while not dwarfing the cottage from the street. Crafted elements internally offer clear visual access throughout the rooms, where curved walls and lofted ceilings extend the eye upward and follow the natural flow of movement throughout. In the end, the Il Nido house feels warm, soft and enclosed, like a bird's nest.