The healing power of plants: why CS embraced a couple's passion for gardening to transform a heritage Hawthorn home and bring the outside inside wherever possible.
REFRAMING OUR VIEW OF HEALTHY LIVING
Access to gardens and outdoor spaces is widely recognised as a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being. Studies show that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, enhance mood, and even improve cognitive function. For Australians, gardening is more than a pastime—it’s a passion. With over 52% of households engaging in gardening activities, it’s a deeply ingrained part of the national culture.
For one Hawthorn couple, their love of gardening was the driving force behind an extensive renovation of their Edwardian-period home. With Content Studio at the helm, the transformation celebrates their connection to nature while respecting the heritage character of the property.
THE CHALLENGE OF A HERITAGE HOME
Renovating a heritage-listed home is a complex process. In Australia, heritage regulations ensure that historically significant features—such as period façades and original layouts—are preserved. However, these constraints can pose challenges when integrating modern conveniences or aligning the design with contemporary lifestyles.
The Hawthorn project presented an additional layer of complexity: the homeowners’ passion for gardening required an architectural approach that seamlessly integrated indoor and outdoor spaces. Collaborating with a landscape designer, Content Studio carefully crafted a scheme that brought the beauty of the garden into the heart of the home.
DESIGNING WITH NATURE IN MIND
Prominent architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Australia's own Robin Boyd were pioneers of using glass and structural framing to 'bring the outside in,' a principle that inspired the Hawthorn home’s design. Content Studio employed expansive picture windows to frame key elements of the garden, creating an uninterrupted visual connection between the interior and the outdoors.
Each window serves as a living canvas, showcasing different aspects of the landscape. From the kitchen, views of the kitchen garden inspire culinary creativity. The living area overlooks the pool, offering a serene backdrop for relaxation. A secluded courtyard, visible from another vantage point, provides a private retreat for contemplation.
The design doesn’t just connect the residents with nature visually—it also facilitates access. Doors strategically placed near the garden allow for easy movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging the couple to immerse themselves in their green sanctuary whenever they wish.
THE REWARDS OF THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
This renovation is more than an aesthetic triumph; it’s a space that enhances the mental and physical well-being of its residents. The integration of natural light, greenery, and functional outdoor areas creates an environment that fosters relaxation and joy.
The homeowners’ garden—a testament to their dedication—has become the soul of the property, influencing how every room is experienced. Whether harvesting vegetables, enjoying a morning swim, or simply gazing out at the greenery, their connection to the outdoors is ever-present.
HERITAGE MEETS MODERN LIVING
The project also highlights how careful design can bridge the past and present. Content Studio preserved the Edwardian charm of the home, ensuring it remains true to its heritage. At the same time, the modern additions—like the expansive glazing and open-plan living areas—cater to contemporary needs and tastes.
CELEBRATING THE AUSTRALIAN LIFESTYLE
Australia’s passion for gardening and outdoor living finds its ultimate expression in this Hawthorn home. By honouring the property’s heritage while celebrating the natural world, Content Studio has created a space that is both beautiful and deeply rewarding for its residents.
The project stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design, proving that when architecture embraces the outdoors, it nourishes both the home and the soul.