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This Renovated Victorian in Melbourne Literally Says “Hello” to PassersbyView 6 Photos

This Renovated Victorian in Melbourne Literally Says “Hello” to Passersby

Revamped and expanded to accommodate a home and artist’s studio, Hello House is a true conversation starter.
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View 6 Photos

St. Kilda–based firm OOF! Architecture gave a Victorian shophouse in Melbourne a new addition and a bold exterior treatment, turning the formerly dysfunctional space into a neighborhood gem.

This Victorian-era home in Melbourne, renovated by OOF! Architecture, maintains privacy from the street, but does so in an unusually "friendly" manner—with a giant brick wall that spells out "Hello," a collaboration with local artist Rose Nolan. The residents wanted their house to appeal to passersby, since it sits on a well-trafficked block near a café.

This Victorian-era home in Melbourne, renovated by OOF! Architecture, maintains privacy from the street, but does so in an unusually "friendly" manner—with a giant brick wall that spells out "Hello," a collaboration with local artist Rose Nolan. The residents wanted their house to appeal to passersby, since it sits on a well-trafficked block near a café.

The front of the house was originally a storefront, with large windows overlooking the street.

The front of the house was originally a storefront, with large windows overlooking the street.

While the back part of the house originally housed the bathroom and laundry rooms, all but making the adjacent garden inaccessible, the new design places the living and dining spaces in this area to maximize natural light. Commonly available materials are used throughout the home, such as plywood and the industrial tresses that criss-cross the open-plan living area.

While the back part of the house originally housed the bathroom and laundry rooms, all but making the adjacent garden inaccessible, the new design places the living and dining spaces in this area to maximize natural light. Commonly available materials are used throughout the home, such as plywood and the industrial tresses that criss-cross the open-plan living area.

A polished concrete floor adds an industrial touch. The oven is Siemens, and the cooktop and dishwasher are Miele. The kitchen island is a concrete benchtop resting on a custom steel frame. The pendants are refurbished "Saturn" pendants by Fog & Morup. Curtains allow the residents to divide the space.

A polished concrete floor adds an industrial touch. The oven is Siemens, and the cooktop and dishwasher are Miele. The kitchen island is a concrete benchtop resting on a custom steel frame. The pendants are refurbished "Saturn" pendants by Fog & Morup. Curtains allow the residents to divide the space.

The open-plan area is lined with custom plywood cabinets.

The open-plan area is lined with custom plywood cabinets.

A garage-style door separates the patio from the street.

A garage-style door separates the patio from the street.

Related Reading: 10 Homes With Distinctive Facades

Project Credits:

Architect: OOF! Architecture, Fooi-Ling Khoo / @fooilingkhoo

Planning + Heritage: David Brand 

Collaborating Artist: Rose Nolan 

Engineer: A M Daly Structural & Civil Engineers 

Building Surveyor: Anthony Middling & Associates 

Builder: Anthony Adams, CBI Complete Builder's Insight 

Bricklayer: Rob Fuchshofer, R&K Fuchshofer 

Joiner: John Matkowsky, M & J Cabinets and Joinery 

Electrician: Linked Electrical Services 

Painter: All Shades Painting 

Concrete Floor Polishing: JV concrete

Allie Weiss
Into cities, mornings, and Sriracha.

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