Irymple by Bryant Alsop Architects

A timeless façade meets a bold new chapter.

Title:: Irymple
Architect:: Bryant Alsop Architects
Category:: Residential/; Renovations and Extensions
Building style:: Classic
Photographers:: Nic Stephens Photography

Where heritage charm meets modern lightness, Irymple by Bryant Alsop is a masterclass in balance, a renovation that honours the past while celebrating family life today.

For a young family of four, Bryant Alsop was tasked with reimagining a classic interwar home into a functional, light-filled sanctuary. The brief called for a home that would grow with the family, a place for everyday living and entertaining, underpinned by thoughtful detail and enduring style.

From the outset, the design sought to preserve the home’s heritage heart while opening it up to light, space and connection. The result is a seamless dialogue between old and new, where traditional forms meet contemporary expression.

Project Gallery

From the street, Irymple retains its familiar presence, a timeless façade carefully restored to preserve its historic charm. Step around to the rear, and the transformation unfolds: a striking white shingled addition introduces a bold yet gentle counterpoint to the original home.

The 2-storey extension, wrapped in timber shingles, creates texture and warmth while quietly distinguishing the new from the old. Inside, a considered palette and natural materials establish a calm, cohesive rhythm that flows from the heritage core to the contemporary addition.

At the centre of the home lies the kitchen, the true heart of family life. Clean lines, generous natural light and intuitive planning define this space, which anchors the living and dining areas with quiet confidence. Every element has a purpose; every surface invites use. The palette balances sophistication with ease, creating a setting made for both daily routines and lively gatherings.

The living spaces were designed with flexibility in mind. Soft light filters through large openings, highlighting a gentle interplay of tone and texture. The rooms move easily between intimate family time and open entertaining, embodying what Bryant Alsop describe as“contemporary comfort shaped by heritage character."

Irymple is more than a renovation; it is a thoughtful reinvention. Through refined detailing and considered planning, Bryant Alsop have created a home that feels timeless yet distinctly modern, a space that celebrates heritage while embracing the freedom of contemporary family living.

Behind the beauty, Irymple performs with quiet intelligence. The renovation maximises insulation, orientation and shading to ensure comfort in every season. North-facing living spaces capture warmth and light, while protection from the western sun keeps the home cool through long summer afternoons. These sustainable design choices reduce energy use and enhance the family’s day-to-day comfort, all while preserving the home’s interwar charm.

Landscape designer Kate Patterson completed the story outdoors, shaping a lush garden and pool area that extend the home’s living zones. Every view is framed by greenery, connecting the interiors to the landscape and encouraging year-round outdoor use. The result is a home that feels expansive, even on a suburban block, one that invites relaxation and connection in equal measure.

Views and Engagement

Professionals used

Bryant Alsop ArchitectsArchitects

Bryant Alsop Architects

Architects

Victoria

bryantalsop.com.au

Bryant Alsop Architects. Bryant Alsop delivers carefully considered, intelligent, projects for our clients. Each project is personal and unique. Our work spans residential, education, and commercial sectors, and is underpinned by a belief that architecture should be uplifting, beautiful and honest. We are committed to achieving carefully considered design solutions and are committed to fully delivering the complete project to our clients. Buildings grow and evolve with time. It is important that a building engages with the landscape, and that the two are viewed in unison. Similarly, much attention is given to interior spaces and as such, we offer a specialised interior design service with the expertise to offer full interior design services. Bryant Alsop offers a highly-personalised approach, based on developing strong working relationships with our clients. We believe that a collaborative approach is necessary for successful design results that speak both of the client's desires, our architectural ideas and the project context. Bryant Alsop works closely with our clients to ensure that their needs and desires are at the core of every project.