Kister Architects

Reimagining the Corner Shop

The transformation of a derelict corner shop in inner Melbourne into a three-level home that seamlessly integrates urban living with nature. This intervention breathes new life into the site while preserving its historical character, creating a sanctuary of greenery within a dense residential context.

The design approach celebrates the existing character of the original corner shop while reinterpreting it for modern living. The shopfront façade is preserved and subtly modified, with glass blocks replacing traditional windows to enhance privacy while allowing diffused light and glimpses of the lush garden courtyard. Entry through the former milk bar door transitions visitors into an immersive green oasis, establishing an immediate dialogue between built form and nature.

The spatial organization is defined by a series of setbacks and lightwells that create layered planning and optimise natural light penetration. Each level incorporates biophilic elements, including courtyards, green roofs, vertical gardens, and an internal green screen. These features blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, fostering a dynamic interplay between architecture and the natural environment.

The project merges the 287m² corner shop site with an adjacent 90m² residential lot to form an urban retreat. The resulting garden oasis serves as a central design element, softening the building's presence within its urban context. A white mesh staircase connects all three levels, illuminated by triangular skylights inviting natural light deep into the home. This vertical axis becomes a visual and functional centerpiece, enhancing spatial connectivity. The third level offers sweeping treetop views and sightlines to Melbourne's city skyline, creating a sense of openness and connection to the broader urban fabric.

Natural materials are employed throughout the home to reinforce its connection to nature. Timber cladding wraps interior surfaces, adding warmth and texture while echoing biophilic principles. Openings are strategically placed to frame views of greenery, ensuring constant interaction with the surrounding landscape.

At its core, this project exemplifies how architecture can harmonize built environments with natural systems. By integrating greenery into every aspect of the home, it dissolves traditional boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The result is a residence that fosters well-being, enhances livability, and redefines what it means to live sustainably in an urban setting.

This transformation is not just about adaptive reuse—it is a celebration of heritage, innovation, and the enduring relationship between people and nature in architectural design.