Big River Group’s Spotted Gum enables a cohesive flow

A family of five needed to adapt their inner-city Melbourne home, to suit their growing needs. Located in the vibrant suburb of Carlton North, the home, a double-fronted Victorian terrace, required a clever rework of its existing footprint to accommodate the next stage of life for the homeowners.

Project 12 Architecture were commissioned to transition the family home into a generous inner-city dwelling. The result comprises a master suite, three kids' rooms, a guest room, kitchen, butler's pantry, laundry, living, dining, rumpus, powder room, study and storage. "Intricate planning was required in order to achieve the result," says Aimee Goodwin, director at Project 12 Architecture. "A fully functioning modern home for the family of five, which is reflective of its heritage."

Contemporary updates are sensitive to the dwelling's Victorian heritage and there is a strong emphasis on detailing and craftmanship throughout the home with the use of natural and sturdy materials such as Spotted Gum timber, marble and concrete. Big River Group's premium plywood products in Spotted Gum were specified all through the interior, with the natural beauty of the species adding richness to the overall design.

"Use of Big River's timber profiles throughout creates a sense of flow and cohesion," Goodwin said. "Spotted Gum timber has been used for the flooring, wall panelling, joinery cabinetry and stairs to establish a subtle but undeniable connection between the various rooms and levels."

Setting the tone for a warm and inviting atmosphere, Big River's decorative plywood products, Armourpanel and Armourfloor are a popular choice for architects and builders because of their durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal. The profiles have been used extensively in the living areas and stairways where natural light filters through the home. Armourfloor's special cross-ply manufacturing process means it can be stuck directly on to the floor without limitations for heating, resulting in a more effective response to hydronic under floor heating, which was requested by the homeowners.

Big River's premium engineered wood product ArmourCab, enabled a seamless overall finish for the kitchen. Designed specifically for cabinetry and joinery applications, Project 12 Architecture were able to tonally blend the cabinetry with the walls and flooring. "The continuity contributes to a harmonious and visually cohesive space that feels connected and intentional, this was very important to our clients," Goodwin said. "Working with Big River Group we had full confidence that the products were able to meet the demands both functionally and

With careful consideration of flow and use of space, the successful transformation has future proofed the beloved family home for its next phase. While distinct from the original building, a connection to its history is supported through the application of timeless and quality materials, robust enough to reflect and absorb the warmth and lively energy that will be generated over the years to come.

"Whilst not being opulent, the home had to be beautiful and functional, materials had to be selected for their quality and longevity. The home needed to stand the test of time," Goodwin said.

For more information visit the Big River Group website.