Melbourne Refurbishment is a two bedroom extension to a 1930s Residence in Melbourne's east. The project wraps around an external courtyard deck which provides a dynamic link between the house and a detached studio beyond…
Bookend Towers
A clerestory tower at one end and a two storey component at the other create a bookend effect providing a sense of enclosure to the outdoor area. The bookend towers, visible from the front of the existing house, create a landmark in the street. This modern addition poking above the existing roofline is a reminder of the changing uses of our suburban homes.
'Bring the toilet in and move the kitchen out'
The original brief from the client provided an opportunity to explore the courtyard typology where a new Kitchen, Dining, Laundry and Bathrooms have been provided as part of the upgrade. The planning incorporates bathrooms as part of the spaces instead of being tacked on uncomfortably at the rear (pardon the pun), while the new kitchen opens up to the outdoors, free of its previously claustrophobic location. This is in recognition of the changing way we live - the kitchen needs to be part of the living and entertainment zones these days.
Rear Alteration
Alterations and Additions are limited to the rear of the house leaving the main body of the existing house completely intact in keeping with Local Council Heritage restrictions for neighbourhood character.
Contrasting
The new work has been intentionally designed to contrast the existing residence. A low transition space provides a link between the old and new construction while the higher additions at the rear are set well back from the original construction to minimise any overshadowing.
Fun in the Bathrooms
Each of the bathrooms features its own fun colour palette, but within a linking pattern of ceramic tile format is based on the size of the original wet areas.
