Tucked away in a leafy suburb of Moonee Ponds, Heartbeat House reimagines a modest 1910s Victorian cottage as a vibrant multi-generational home. Designed with a deep respect for both family and heritage, this home is a serene sanctuary that embraces family gatherings while providing private spaces for all who live within. With a blend of traditional charm and modern functionality, Heartbeat House balances openness with intimacy in a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, catering to the needs of its clients, Bryan and Allison, and their extended family.
The vision for Heartbeat House was to create a space that feels as inviting and open as it does intimate. Bryan and Allison wanted an adaptable home where their family could come together easily, but where each member also has private areas to retreat to and recharge. Originally a compact Victorian cottage, the home now expands to a double-vaulted, light-filled living space and a lush, landscaped garden designed in collaboration with Saint Remy, offering an oasis of greenery in the heart of the suburb. “The emphasis was on openness balanced by a sense of retreat,” shares architect Warwick Mihaly. Heartbeat House embodies that philosophy, weaving harmony into every corner and curve of the home, where modern-day functionality and heritage charm seamlessly coexist.
Inside, a thoughtful flow connects each space, from the cosy bedrooms housed within the original cottage to an expansive living area bathed in natural light. The original structure now hosts bedrooms and a flexible second living space that respects its heritage, with a central hallway that creates an inviting transition into the new, modern extension at the rear. In keeping with the home’s relaxed yet refi ned feel, limewashed Victorian ash timber cabinetry creates warmth and softness, while polished concrete floors anchor the interior with a grounded, natural texture. The materials palette features Australian-sourced finishes that enhance the home’s subtle sophistication and blend strength with softness, including blackbutt timber floorboards, Victorian ash timber veneer, and Super White Dolomite stone benchtops.
Customised joinery throughout not only provides ample storage but cleverly adapts to the family’s daily rhythms. With a modest footprint, the design incorporates storage that allows communal spaces to serve multiple purposes. A hidden study nook and a discreet bar tucked away behind sliding doors transition effortlessly between work and play, while thoughtfully placed window seats invite moments of rest and reflection. “Every space is designed to adapt to different needs,” says Mihaly, who crafted the interiors to balance form with function, creating a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic that suits all generations.
The heart of Heartbeat House lies in its fluid connection to the outdoors. The rear living area opens to a private garden sanctuary, elevated above street level to create a quiet suburban escape. Large stacking windows and doors connect the inside to the landscaped space beyond, blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor living. This seamless integration of garden and home brings light and greenery into view from every angle and encourages year-round enjoyment of the lush outdoor spaces. A lengthy window seat along the northern edge of the living area serves as an idyllic reading spot, bathed in natural light throughout the year. Designed in collaboration with Saint Remy, the garden wraps around the extension and becomes a peaceful retreat, featuring a mix of lush plants that provide seasonal colour and texture, alongside practical elements such as a sun-drenched kitchen garden where Bryan and Allison can grow fresh produce.
Every detail in Heartbeat House has been carefully considered to support the wellbeing and lifestyle of its multigenerational household. With features such as an L-shaped, graded landscape to manage the site’s natural slope, Saint Remy crafted distinct outdoor zones that invite exploration and cater to all ages. From a child-friendly lawn to shaded, tranquil nooks, the garden’s design complements the home’s versatility and brings a sense of tranquillity to every family member. The garden sanctuary also includes pathways edged with greenery, inviting strolls while retaining accessibility throughout.
Article featured in Grand Designs Australia Magazine 14.1
Geotechnical engineer
