Melanie Beynon Reimagines A South Yarra Classic
Reimagined by Melanie Beynon Architecture & Design, South Yarra Residence blends heritage with modern retreat—anchored by light, flow, and considered detailing.
Words HANDE RENSHAW Photos TOM BLACHFORD
Integrated Tasmanian Oak joinery, natural stone and layered textures define the light-filled dining and kitchen spaces of South Yarra Residence.
Light, function and materiality are thoughtfully considered throughout the home. Appliances from Liebherr and Gaggenau.
A folding window opens the kitchen onto a softly curved outdoor bar—creating a seamless moment between inside and out.
A refined interplay of materials defines a corner in the living space. 9602 Floor Lamp by Gubi from In Good Company.
Moni Double Pendant by Articolo.
“Customised integrated storage was key in providing highly functional and hard-working zones for our clients.”
The Cara Leather Dining Chair from Coco Republic.
Discreetly concealed within a wall of blonde timber joinery, a custom bar reveals itself with layered glass shelving, soft integrated lighting, and sleek Brodware tapware.
In the main bathroom, large-format stone tiles and a soft skylight set a calming, tonal backdrop for the sculptural freestanding tub and dual vanity. The Yokato tapware range by Brodware adds contrast and elegance to the minimalist space.
Soft-filtered light flows through full-height linen curtains in the master bedroom, where custom joinery and plush carpet from the Bremworth Collection reinforces a sense of calm.
Melanie Beynon Architecture & Design has sensitively reimagined South Yarra Residence—reviving a once-disjointed Edwardian structure into a serene, light-filled retreat for a growing family.
Working within the existing footprint of the house, the redesign artfully navigates the demands of modern living while honouring the home’s historical beginnings.
Having undergone a less-than-cohesive renovation back in the 1990s, the home presented a number of challenges—among them an awkward, unsafe staircase that disrupted the flow of the shared living zones. In response, the new design sees the relocated stairs discreetly behind a joinery wall to the side of the house. This strategic move opened up the central living space and ensured the long-term liveability of the home.
The brief called for a calming, contemporary space with retreat-like qualities. Melanie Beynon’s approach to materiality plays a key role in achieving that vision. Blonde Tasmanian Oak timber flooring grounds the interiors in warmth, while accents of soft grey render, Victory Beige marble, and timber veneer bring both contrast and cohesion.
Clever joinery integrations are layered throughout, providing a high level of functionality without compromising on elegance. In the open-plan living space, a long, uninterrupted wall of custom joinery conceals a generous bar, full-height wine fridge, and euro laundry. The storage continues throughout the home in subtle and intentional ways, allowing the architecture to speak in calm, uncluttered tones.
Upstairs, the first floor has been transformed into a master retreat, elevated both physically and experientially. Framed by views across South Yarra rooftops, the space is infused with soft textures and natural light, underscoring the design's focus on quiet luxury and sanctuary.
Outside, the double-height facade received a striking facelift. New cladding, cement-rendered finishes, and galvanised steel frames and shrouds speak to the home's layered history while creating a bold architectural statement. These exterior elements tie back to the interior palette, reinforcing a cohesive material story.
The home is further enriched by its seamless relationship to the outdoors. Multiple vantage points open to a lush courtyard, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior and bringing moments of nature into daily view.
In its reconfiguration, South Yarra Residence is reimagined as a refined contemporary retreat—where timeless architecture and considered design come together to support modern family living.
