Refurbished Research Facility Readies to Welcome Loving Family

Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a former research institute? Apparently, a family in Melbourne did consider this unusual living arrangement, which lead to the 1857 Mechanics Institute being transformed into a state-of-the-art inner city retreat. The home features one bedroom and two bathrooms, as well as a play on delineation of space and volume unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Within the day area, the dining space is organized as a wholly separated space, yet one which communicates with the rest of the room. Most furniture is on the simple, sleek and minimalist side, with storage solutions prominently featured. The lofted space expands on two levels within the same enclosure, connected via a spiraling floating staircase.

The home features “huge free-flowing entertaining and living zones plus soaring vaulted ceilings.” The sense of ample space is apt to overwhelm one, yet balance is restored by the welcoming and home-like atmosphere of a house that bears no resemblance to the former research facility it once was. It is located in South Yarra, a Melbourne, Australia suburb. It has been put up for sale on auction on November 19, 2011, and continues to be available at a median price of $900,000. It is hydronically heated, secured, fitted with a generous storage room and a lock-up garage with an automated door. Only minutes away stands the renowned South Melbourne Market. The home is ideal for a dynamic, urban family, who wishes to stay connected to all the goings-on in the live of a vibrant city.