A Home That Gets Better with Age
In designing his own home, architect Richard Teed of Moby Architecture and Interiors was motivated by a connection to the environment and ensuring the home grows better with age
Architect Richard Teed of Moby Architecture and Interiors came across the home that eventually became his own while walking in Creswick, a former gold-mining town north-west of Melbourne. The period house was dark and neglected, but the landscape was deeply appealing — a priority high on Teed’s list.
At the heart of the renovation was creating a visual and physical connection to the outdoors: circulation paths were designed to bring unbroken views of the garden into the home, mature trees creep inside when the windows are open, and a large ash tree takes pride of place at the entrance. Internally, mesh perforation and glazed doors allow for extra light, increased views to the garden and a level of connectedness. ‘We envisioned a home where we could live within the landscape rather than viewing it through a lens,’ Teed says of his and his wife’s intention for the property.
Still, a portion of the home was designed to be private and separate for individual use when required. This was achieved with hidden door panels and fully concealable spaces, allowing the couple the luxury of quiet, cocoon-like areas to retire to. ‘Framed views, controlled circulation and unexpected surprises — the home feels different as you move through the spaces,’ the architect says. Dark custom joinery and warm wood on the ceiling create cosy spaces, especially in the powder room, which is concealed behind a curved ribbed timber wall. From a sustainability perspective, recycled materials such as Tasmanian oak timber battens were prioritised over new versions.
The goal was to retain the charm of the property but bring the interiors up to date with modern living. ‘We made it our goal to restore the house and its character while also creating a contemporary home that would be easy and rewarding to live in,’ says Teed. He selected authentic, robust materials like strata tiles manufactured with uniquely individual expressions, and blackened MDF with a matt finish that appears mottled. ‘This is a natural home with imperfect materials,’ says Teed. ‘Whether it be the clay tiles, feature grade timbers, handmade benchtops or raw black steel, this home gathers more character as it ages.’
Text / Carli Philips
Images / Rhiannon Taylor
