South Melbourne Terrace.

In a considered reworking of a South Melbourne terrace, Healey Ryan Architects have created a cohesive and light-filled family home that balances heritage character with contemporary liveability. The brief called for the unification of previously fragmented living areas and the introduction of natural light, resulting in a refined interior that prioritises spatial clarity and functionality.

The new ground-floor layout consolidates kitchen, dining and living into one continuous level, anchored by a custom-designed multifunctional dining island. A two-storey light shaft above the kitchen draws daylight deep into the plan and visually connects upper and lower levels.

At the rear, a bold yet finely detailed brick and steel facade signals the home’s architectural intent. Handmade red bricks and custom perforated steel shutters establish a rich material language, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern precision. A red steel eave and matching palette tie the elevation together, uniting old and new in a cohesive form.

Shade Factor worked closely with the architect to integrate sun shading as both a technical and aesthetic solution. A recessed Warema Terrea K50 folding arm awning provides unobtrusive solar control to the courtyard below, while operable perforated steel shutters on the upper level are powered by concealed actuators engineered specifically for the project. These hidden mechanisms ensure clean lines and reliable performance, enhancing both thermal comfort and architectural resolution.