The art of addition and subtraction: Oliver Lane House

O’Connor and Houle’s recent renovation of their clients’ Oliver Lane apartment was nothing short of ambitious. Removing existing plasterboard walls, Stephen O’Connor and Annick Houle’s practice reimagined the entire floor of a heritage-listed 1907 Melbourne CBD building as the couple’s new abode. By exposing the concrete ceiling and brick walls, the architects honoured its original warehouse aesthetic, restoring a tangible sense of history throughout.

“Our clients were open to exploring new ideas in terms of materiality, layout and detailing,” says Stephen. “And this is what made the design process such an exciting one.” Maximizing natural light to ensure it reached the centre of the plan was a top priority, and the architects achieved it with elegant three-quarter-height walls and steel-framed glass partitions.

The kitchen is bright and breezy as a result, perfectly meeting all of the family’s functional needs as well as being somewhere relaxing where everyone wants to spend time. Its open plan makes it visible to the living areas, and the atypical arrangement, which eschews an island bench and overhead cabinetry for a round table and cupboard, lends it modern appeal. A scullery is cleverly concealed at the kitchen’s far end, hiding all the messiness that comes with everyday use and upholding the scheme’s overall restrained aesthetic. The subdued colour palette of grey, cream and white highlights the space’s textural qualities, which are complemented by dining chairs with woven backrests and voluminous, oversized pendant lights.

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Subdued colour use accentuates the apartment’s rich textural qualities.

Image: James Greer

New maple flooring contrasts with the old, adding warmth to the space’s existing structures. This floor extends into the bathroom’s handwashing area, where a grey stone vanity makes the space appear like a wellness retreat. The addition of maple joinery completes the scheme, instilling a restrained Japanese-style ambience that is instantly calming. Stephen and Annick have thoughtfully zoned this small space, transitioning into the wet areas with the introduction of floor-to-ceiling stone cladding. As Stephen reflects, “This careful detailing and tailoring of spaces to meet a client’s individual needs adds an extra layer of richness and enjoyment.”

Every insertion, detail and finish is a celebration of the apartment’s good bones and industrial heritage. Yet the architects have managed to create an interior that feels welcoming and intimate, with a softness not usually associated with such a building. Most importantly, the clients are happy with their new home, deriving genuine delight from their own little oasis smack bang in the heart of a bustling city.