When an architect is asked to design a home, the goal is always to create something beautiful and functional. But when Dean Dyson Architects took on the challenge of designing the House of Fortune in Collingwood, the brief was much deeper: to weave a client’s childhood memories and connection to community into the very fabric of the renovation.
Honoring the Past, Designing for the Future
The client, Robert, cherished his childhood in Collingwood, remembering the family connection and the strong sense of neighbourly community. He wanted the design to carry these values forward, resulting in a vision for the House of Fortune that emphasized longevity and connection.
The architects set out to create a multi-layered design—a “vessel for modern family life”—that honored the social, cultural, and personal history of the client and the home.
This approach resulted in flexible spaces that can adapt to a family’s changing needs, ensuring the home remains relevant for years to come. Features like the entry parlor and the indoor/outdoor kitchen bar provide this seamless flexibility. Furthermore, layered private and communal areas create a perfect balance between family togetherness and the need for personal retreat.
A Home That Engages the Street
The vision for the House of Fortune extended beyond the family. Robert’s memory of sitting on his childhood veranda, watching his father exchange greetings with passersby, became a key inspiration. This inspired the architects to design a home that actively invites engagement with its surroundings and the Collingwood community.
It was also paramount to the client that the original character of the heritage home was honored rather than replaced. The design team sought an emotional connection to the building, actively uncovering the stories etched within the home’s long-standing heritage.
Bridging the Distance: A Trust-Driven Process
A major process challenge was that the client, Robert, was living in Singapore throughout the duration of the project, only flying into Melbourne for rare, key milestone meetings. Dean Dyson Architects was fully entrusted to act on his behalf, overseeing every stage of the process, including full contract administration and managing decisions on quality, budget, and timelines. They also took ownership of defect inspections to ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship were met.
To bridge the distance, a clear and consistent communication framework was established. This included fortnightly updates, detailed monthly reports, and regular video calls, which gave Robert transparent oversight and allowed him to make informed decisions in real time.
This process culminated in a deeply rewarding moment: Robert’s very first visit after engaging the architects was upon the project’s completion. Stepping inside the fully realized **House of Fortune**, he encountered a home that perfectly reflected his vision, highlighting the strength of the process and the trust placed in the team.
The Interiors: Nostalgia in Materials
The interior design went beyond functionality, incorporating “nostalgic feelings” through intentional material choices. This vision manifested as a dark, rich material palette featuring oak herringbone flooring, deep velvet fabrics, and stormy natural marble, adding a touch of luxury. Textural details like perforated metal, rusted joinery, and leather hardware were used to resonate with the suburb’
