Italian vintage mirror by Geoffrey Hatty. Vintage Hans Wegner sofa (Model GE 236/4) and Finnish armchair bought from Gibson’s Auctions, and reupholstered by Martel Upholstery in Kvadrat (‘I got fantastic advice from Martel in Richmond about sympathetic fabrics and chose a Kvadrat wool fabric in a deep turquoise [for the sofa] that has flicks of yellow and green, which is a wonderful calming colour to live with and it changes colour with the light,’ says Izzi). Vintage Hans Wegner coffee table (Model At15) from Angelucci. Vitra Akari Floor Lamp from In Good Company. Muuto Compile Shelving System. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Muuto Compile Shelving System. Swan sculptures (2011) by Heather B. Swann. Collection of vintage Danish candlesticks from Chapel Street Bazaar. HAY Portable Light. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

The facade of the Terrace House, designed by Austin Maynard Architects. Photo – Derek Swalwell

Many of Melbourne’s first inner-city houses were terraced workers’ cottages: small Victorian homes, built in rows that generated a close community.

Terrace House—developed and designed by Austin Maynard Architects—reimagines this typology for the modern day. The 20 homes within the development are modelled on a traditional terrace plan, and stacked on top of one another across six storeys.

Located in Brunswick, the project offers the liveability of a house, with the social, financial, and sustainable benefits of a multi-residential building.

Art director Izzi McGrath was attracted to the values of the development, which was initially sold via a balloting system. The first home buyer wasn’t seeking an investment property—she was looking for her forever home.

‘As a first home buyer, the value in buying into an architect-designed, brand new building, with the promise of minimal maintenance and thermal efficiency, with lower ongoing utility costs, was incredibly appealing,’ says Izzi.

‘I joined the waiting list after the Terrace House building had already been balloted, but luckily for me, when one of the original purchasers pulled out, and after a bit of a process, it was offered to me. A day I will never forget!’

While the building was under construction, Izzi took time to carefully consider her future home’s interiors, even drafting these on The Sims to get a better idea of how they’d look! (‘Hilarious to look at that now, but I must say it is a pretty accurate version of the 2023 reality’ she says!)

Izzi’s home styling was guided by a wall hanging of Miro’s The Gold of the Azure (originally from her childhood bedroom), and a vintage Hans Wegner sofa purchased secondhand at auction and reupholstered. A secondhand Muuto Compile Shelving System, and hanging system by Hangzen provide plenty of space to display treasured books, knick knacks, and artworks.

Izzi loves her home’s terrace-like floorplan that provides a natural separation between the study at the front, and the living space at the rear. ‘I’m often waving or opening the door for a chat during the day and there are quite a few young children who love to come to the window when I am working,’ she says.

Towards the end of each day, Izzi finds herself gravitating towards her own west-facing living room and balcony. ‘I never miss a sunset, which is a dream come true,’ she says. 

Izzi’s brother also lives in the building, providing a wonderful sense of connection among a wider community of like minded residents who enjoy meeting on the rooftop garden with expansive views. ‘The best backyard in Brunswick!’ as Izzi describes it.

Inner-city apartment living never looked so good!