Designed by Irons McDuff Architecture

The '40s were renowned for austerity. Houses were small but functional. This home from that decade is no exception. With an art-deco inspired 'swellegance' the home had great potential, but like your stuck-in-his-ways grandfather, was a bit out-of-touch with modern life...

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

Irons McDuff Architecture's approach to update John & Kathleen's house was to channel the period and ethos of the original home into some up-to-date alterations. The forties were a time of doing more with less, so it the spirit of that time, the architects actually reduced the footprint of the original home, but gained more functional space.

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

The first step to dragging this home into the 21st Century was to create a series of joinery pieces throughout the house which serve multiple uses.

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

In the kitchen an island breakfast bar incorporates preparation space, storage within bright red drawers, a place to sit and even a bookshelf. Thin storage units along the walls of the dining area provide even more storage space and also act as a shelf for displaying art.

Curtains are used to divide open-plan spaces, providing a form of soft separation to suit different needs. Every little nook becomes a place for storage or serves a practical purpose, helping to make this home more functional.

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

A bunkbed also acts as a dividing wall. With fun sliding shutters the bunks can open up the two bedroom spaces or close down for privacy or (perhaps more realistically) until a sibling feud has subsided. This approach of layering spaces vertically gives both children extra space for study desks in their rooms and creates a playful and flexible space for them to enjoy.

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

Rather than add a playroom to the home, the architects created a rear deck which connects to the living areas. This creates a great outdoor entertaining space, connects to the established garden and is a great place for the kids to play.

John & Kathleen's - Architizer

There's even 'folly' in this backyard. Hidden inside a translucent fibreglass box on the deck is an outhouse-style toilet and shower. The outhouse glows at night, creating a oversized lamp for the deck, while also making the backyard more usable and adding a fun yet practical extra bathroom to the home.

"Once reconfigured, the house which seemed too small now seems more spacious with less." - Irons McDuff Architecture

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