Richmond Home

Behind the retained red Victorian brick facade of an old tin smith’s workshop, this Richmond home unfolds into a surprisingly tranquil inner-city sanctuary. Navigating a restricted site footprint, architect Alex Lake utilised a courtyard-driven layout to draw abundant natural light and ventilation into the new three-bedroom family residence. These carefully scaled outdoor spaces act as a buffer against the urban environment, creating a resoundingly quiet retreat hidden from the street.

To bridge the gap between the historic streetscape and the modern extension, Krause Emperor Bricks in Ghost were chosen to form a thoughtful dialogue with the original architecture. Instead of competing with or replicating the traditional English bond red brickwork, the contemporary masonry introduces a beautifully fine-grained, contrasting texture. Sitting alongside concrete and American Oak, the pale, elongated bricks establish a robust and pure material palette that keeps the design feeling clear and uncomplicated.

The application of the masonry further elevates the serene atmosphere of the home. Working closely with the bricklaying team, the Krause Bricks were hand-cut into randomised lengths and laid with deliberate, slight imperfections. This bespoke, textured approach highlights the organic qualities of the clay, delivering a monolithic architectural variation that honours the longevity and honesty of the locally made materials.