Matai House Updates a Poorly Planned Home from the 1900s

Matai House by Parsonson Architects

The owners of Matai House lived in this early 1900s home for several years before embarking on alterations — putting them in the perfect position with insight into how their home worked and, more importantly, what didn't suit their needs.

Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Outdoor Areas, Window Seat, Concrete Floors, Sliding Glass Doors, Staircases, Rugs, Lounge Suites
Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Outdoor Areas, Timber Deck, Sliding Glass Doors

Typical Turn of the Century Layout

The original home followed a typical turn of the century layout — rooms running down each side of a central hallway leading to the laundry, toilet and kitchen areas at the rear.

Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Pendant Lighting, Staircases
Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Open Plan Living, Concrete Floors, Timber Deck, Sliding Glass Doors, Staircases, Rugs, Lounge Suites

Room for Imporovement

This configuration meant the best late sun was wasted on these service areas. They were also nestled up against a retaining wall holding up the bank rising up to the rear of the site, leaving the house feeling disconnected. In addition the owners were feeling cramped and wanted an extra living space and two extra bedrooms for their growing family.

Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Heritage
Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Urban Homes, Timber Deck

Elevated Extension

Together with the clients, Parsonson Architects decided to divide the house in two, the old home and the new extension. To accentuate this difference and to connect the house with the sunny rear part the architects created a series of concrete platforms with wooden steps. The new elevated family living space now leads up to a larger sunnier rear courtyard with the two new bedrooms and a bathroom above.

Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Passive Solar Design, Joinery, Concrete Floors, Staircases, Lounge Suites, Thermal Mass

Blending with the Original

The roofs and outer walls of the extension are clad in the same corrugated colour steel as the old house, but are folded to suit the functions they enclose and dodge the required building envelope.

Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Timber Deck, Pendant Lighting, Sliding Glass Doors, Dining Areas
Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Timber Houses, Heritage

Inviting Reception

The new living space is located directly at the end of the hallway. The space is visible from the front door with the steps and a raised clerestory roof lifting the eye up to the rear of the property and giving a sense of invitation. Glazing of the clerestory is behind timber slat work to filter the late low sun.

Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Outdoor Areas, Joinery, Window Seat, Concrete Floors, Sliding Glass Doors, Exposed Rafters, Rugs, Lounge Suites
Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Joinery, Concrete Floors, Timber Deck, Pendant Lighting

Contrasting Old and Modern

The original home has a Matai floor with all other surfaces painted. The new addition has cool concrete floors offset by light coloured timber, white painted walls with coloured areas.

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Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
](/images/featured/matai-house-parsonson-architects/Matai House Parsonson Architects 12.png)

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Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
House Plans
](/images/featured/matai-house-parsonson-architects/Matai House Parsonson Architects 13.png)

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Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
House Plans
](/images/featured/matai-house-parsonson-architects/Matai House Parsonson Architects 14.png)

Matai House by Parsonson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)

Matai House

"We hoped there would be a play of light and shade, a gentleness and warmth and an invitation to explore." — Parsonson Architect

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