Open House Melbourne offers the opportunity for the public and design lovers alike to experience all kinds of design. It’s a great way to open up the design conversation that is all too often siloed within the architecture and design community.

Since 2008 the program has continued to expand and grow and now includes various talks and symposiums in the lead-up, in addition to the weekend full of activities.

But as is to be expected when opening up a workplace, historic building or home – order needs to be maintained, which is where the booking system comes in and many of the best buildings to visit require a booking.

So put a reminder in your calendar for 8.30am this Friday 13 July and put a bookmark on some or all of these outstanding buildings.

Photo provided by Open House Melbourne.

Australian Islamic Centre, Newport

Designed by Glenn Murcutt, in collaboration with Elevli+ Architects

A wonderful example of modern religious architecture. The Australian Islamic Centre, designed by arguably one of Australia’s most revered architects, is surely top of the list. It is a place that embodies calm, meaning and elegance, so be sure to nab a visit to this community-enriching space.

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Photo by Nikole Ramsey.

Melbourne Vernacular, Yarraville

Designed by AlterEco Design in collaboration with sustainability consultants Melbourne Vernacular

On the same side of town as Newport, Melbourne Vernacular is more than just a home – it’s a space that is founded on the qualities and methodologies of sustainable living. Experience the roof garden and hear from the owners (Melbourne Vernacular) about the evolution of the project.

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Photo by Rubin Utama.

Photo by Tom Ross.

Cairo Flats and Cairo Studio, Fitzroy

Refurbished by Architecture Architecture and Nicholas Agius Architects [Original building by Best Overend]

With two examples of modern small space living in action, both of these architecturally renovated projects showcase what can be achieved through clever design. These two outstanding projects are housed within the iconic mid-century apartment block ‘Cairo Flats’, which was originally designed in 1936.

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Render by Secret Studio.

Australia 108, Southbank

Designed by Fender Katsalidis with interiors by Carr

Australia 108 will sidle up to Fender Katsalidis’ Eureka Tower in Southbank. Once completed, a curving profile and distinct golden starburst will punctuate the skyline while housing 1100 apartments over 100 floors. For Open House Melbourne, you’ll get to experience the first completed stage of the soon-to-be-finished tower.

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Photo provided by Open House Melbourne.

Victorian Archives Centre, North Melbourne

Part of the Public Record Office of Victoria, the Victorian Archives Centre is a carefully climate-controlled and dust-free environment. As part of Open House Melbourne visitors will tour the archival collection, which includes plans for some of the city’s most iconic public buildings including the MCG, Pentridge Gaol and Parliament House.

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Photo provided by Open House Melbourne.

Light Corridor House, Cremorne

Designed by FIGR Architecture

In this extension to a Victorian worker’s cottage, FIGR Architecture takes users on a journey from old to new. A newly inserted timber tunnel opens out to a double height space, creating a seamless transition from the original home. This project is a great example of modern liveability made possible through architectural intervention.

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Photo by Tobias Titz.

Modscape factory, Brooklyn

Modscape design and build modular homes and commercial projects all from its Brooklyn factory. As a hot topic in the design community, take a look behind-the-scenes and see what goes into the various design stages of modular and prefab construction.

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Photo by Nic Granleese.

Cubby Office, North Melbourne

Designed by Krisna Cheung Architects

Blurring the line between work and home life is exactly the desire behind this project. Krisna Cheung – architects and owners – aim to bring together the seriousness of work with the playfulness of their children, thus the Cubby Office, which allows them to monitor and connect with the kids during working hours.

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Photo by Peter Bennetts.

Dark Horse, Brunswick East

Designed by Architecture Architecture

Using the shell of the existing worker’s cottage and remaking it as a modern home, Dark Horse by Architecture Architecture references its history in a familiar way, while bringing it well and truly into the 21st century. Dichotomies of dark and light, open and intimate and compression and release all play off each other to create a unique family home that is sure to inspire.

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Kiah House, Fitzroy North

Designed by Austin Maynard Architects

Projects by Andrew Maynard Architects are award-winning. Each house by the practice brings something original and unique and Kiah House is no different. This family home is inspired by the owner’s Buddhist influences and extensive travels to Japan, which can be seen in the sanctuary-like design.

These 10 projects are just a small taste of what Open House Melbourne has on offer, check out the full program here. And also take a look at the additional events happening all throughout July.