A Victorian-era terrace house has been transformed into a stunning family home that seamlessly blends heritage architecture with Japanese design principles. Known as Haiku House, this 1890s residence underwent an extensive renovation to create a functional living space for a professional couple and their three children, while honoring both its historical character and the family's design preferences.

The renovation project held special meaning for the homeowners, who first met in a similar three-story shared house during their twenties. Designer Kim Kneipp explains that the couple wanted to recreate that sense of community and togetherness in their own family home. The husband prioritized openness, natural light, and integrated technology, while the wife focused on creating quiet retreat spaces, a highly functional kitchen, and stronger connections between indoor and outdoor areas.

The ambitious renovation required major structural work overseen by Steffen Welsch Architects. The project included extending both the ground and first floors, completely reconfiguring the bedroom layouts, and relocating the main staircase. Perhaps most significantly, new windows were added to the home's central spine, a transformational change that now floods the central living areas with natural light throughout the day.

Once the structural elements were completed, Kim Kneipp was brought in to balance the home's existing Victorian character with the clients' passion for Japanese interior design. The goal was to create a timeless atmosphere that would serve as a calm backdrop for the vibrant energy of daily family life while ensuring the design would age gracefully over time.

Japanese design elements became central to the renovation's aesthetic approach. Shoji screens served as a guiding motif throughout the home, reinterpreted as a glass balustrade along the staircase and as wall panels on the upper floor that cleverly conceal the study and bathroom areas. The main bathroom now features an onsen-inspired soaking tub encased in microcement, complemented by slatted cedar ceiling panels that enhance the spa-like atmosphere.

Custom timber joinery was strategically used to maximize space throughout the living areas. The kitchen island extends seamlessly into a long dining table, transforming what was once a disjointed floor plan into a central social hub where the family can gather for meals and daily activities. This design approach successfully addresses the couple's desire for both functionality and style.

The comprehensive renovation was a multi-year undertaking that required considerable patience and planning. The design process alone took several years, followed by an additional two years of construction. Despite the lengthy timeline, the finished home now successfully accommodates all the family's needs, including space for their first dog, their oversized indigo sofa, and even a gym installed in the basement.

The name "Haiku House" emerged organically during the construction process itself. Kim Kneipp notes that the long and often challenging renovation was lightened by a creative exchange of poems between the clients and the design team. These haikus captured the moods, materials, and aspirations of the project, creating a playful ritual that served as a reminder that even in the midst of complexity, there can be creativity, resilience, and joy. The completed home now stands as a testament to thoughtful design that honors the past while embracing the future.