Carr’s brief was to rejuvenate the basement of an exclusive city club. Situated in one of the cities oldest heritage buildings and constructed using solid bluestone foundations, the subterranean space receives filtered natural light from its prominent street frontage. Carr’s scope of works involved the introduction of intimate, private spaces including a new library, reading and lounge room, card room and amenities.
The aim was to create a comfortable, informal retreat within a limited spatial footprint. The new, contemporary layer required seamless integration within the fabric of the existing building. Upon entry, subtle ambient lighting highlights an original fireplace and establishes a sense of the vault like space. The library and reading lounge is defined through solid timber shelving and full height doors providing flexibility for social interaction or meetings. The warm, subtle colour palette offers a contemporary interpretation of the classic library aesthetic.
Befitting its location within this established members only club in Melbourne, the female bathroom exudes a sense of refined luxury referencing a very private domain for female guests. The combination of
Contemporary yet refined design elements sit perfectly within the original, historic room. Particular focus was given to the 4 metre high ceilings which retained the beauty of original cornices and detailing but had succumbed to significant damage over the years. A decision to retain and celebrate the history of the space led to the restoration of the cornice detail and the insertion of a full width mirrored panel to reflect the detail and thereby give the impression of a continuous, complete ceiling.
Steel framed, backlit mirrors appear to glow while dark timber panelling is effective in concealing adverse existing conditions. In a quirky detail, coat hooks reference the Greek Goddess Venus di Milo as a humorous nod to the formal nature of a male members only city club.