Casual House's low maintenance, no frills materials create an affordable yet compelling extension to the rear of a family home in Newport. Christopher Megowan Design has created a home as casual and easy going as its residents…
![Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect) Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/casual-house/141212_cmd_newport house_MG_8211d.jpg)
![Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect) Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/casual-house/141212_cmd_newport house_MG_8259b.jpg)
End of Formal
Formal living rooms, stuffy formal dining areas and 'good rooms' have been traditional parts of our homes — spaces which are rarely used, but an important part of keeping up appearances. As our lifestyles and attitudes have become more relaxed, the need for these formal spaces has fallen away. Being close to the beach in Newport, Casual House is an expression of this modern approach to living, a laid-back modern home.
![Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect) Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/casual-house/141212_cmd_newport house_MG_8311st.jpg)
![Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect) Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/casual-house/141212_cmd_newport house_MG_8325.jpg)
The Brief
The brief was to create something low key, beachy, contemporary but still respecting the character and materiality of the weatherboard cottage at the front of the property. Room to kick a ball, connection to the outdoors and ease of moving surfboards and sporting equipment from the rear of the house to the car in the front was top of mind for these clients.
![Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect) Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/casual-house/141212_cmd_newport house_MG_8337.jpg)
![Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect) Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/casual-house/141212_cmd_newport house_MG_8359.jpg)
Fixing Past Mistakes
The middle of the home had long suffered from substandard foundations, this extension replaces this middle section with a new kitchen, living, dining, bathroom and laundry. In addition, existing spaces were extended and converted into a second living area, and two new bedrooms.
![Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect) Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/casual-house/141212_cmd_newport house_MG_8370.jpg)
Bringing in the Light
Unfortunately the extension is tucked away to the south of the existing home, making it difficult to access natural light. Christopher Megowan Design overcame this problem by creating clerestory and wrap around windows to bring warming northern light deep into the open kitchen, living and dining area.
![Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect) Casual House by Christopher Megowan Design (by Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/casual-house/141212_cmd_newport house_MG_8406.jpg)
Warmth of Timber
Timber doors, windows and birch joinery to the kitchen, living, bathroom and bedroom robes add warmth to the house and help create a sense of home.
Casual House
Casual clients called for a Casual House to call home. What they got is a beautiful light-filled extension fit for their modern lifestyles. Appropriate to the beach-side suburb of Newport, Casual House feels laid-back with sandy coloured timber. Every day living feels like a beach holiday. The renovation has transformed the home, bringing light deep into the home thanks to ingenious wrap around windows. Another terrific project from Christopher Megowan Design.