Journal

Netherby brings a sense of clarity and resonance to its storied past, with Neil Architecture and Megan Hounslow combining to craft the foundations for the home’s coming chapters.

Netherby brings a sense of clarity and resonance to its storied past, with Neil Architecture and Megan Hounslow combining to craft the foundations for the home’s coming chapters.

As part gallery, part home, the foundations from which Hawthorn East are built needed to embody an innate flexibility and become a chameleon of sorts.

With its existing Spanish Mission stylings preserved, St Kilda East sees the insertion of key formal and transitionary elements that connect the inside and out, echoing a Mediterranean sensibility.

Located in one of the many laneways of the city centre, Melbourne Loft takes pride of place in a previous dressmaker’s quarters and reinvents itself as a residential enclave. 

Architect Melanie Beynon and interior designer Megan Hounslow, working together as Meme during the time of the project, identify through their design of Willow Urban Retreat the exceptional impact our surroundings can make to our state of being. “Our process explored how space, light and materiality can actively contribute to human health, performance and well-being,” describes Megan.

A beautiful, dilapidated Victorian shopfront is transformed into a local hero, fusing contemporary chic with nostalgic charm.

When combining the notions of ‘sanctuary’ and ‘self-care’ — our first thought is an exotic escape abroad.

It’s everything you’re looking for in a space to retreat to. It has all the calming elements of white and height with the spatial simplicity of a Japanese Dojo. The uncluttered nature of both this design and the effect it has on the clarity of one’s mind is impressive.

Designed by Meme, Amaru in Armadale, Melbourne is elegant and understated. Inspired by the austerity of Spanish design, the focus is on simplicity and restraint – a simple backdrop for the dishes to shine against.

Founding partners Megan Hounslow and Melanie Beynon, who were fellow interior design students at RMIT in the late 1990s, spent a lot of time developing their careers overseas after graduating.