At this Malvern East project, our clients required additional space for their family but with minimal backyard space the options for an addition were limited. Our solution was to add an extension to the front of the property, with alterations to the interior and a small addition at the rear. However, as the house is located in a Heritage Overlay, changes to the front of the property had to be carefully considered to respect the significance of the precinct. Our architecture and heritage teams worked closely together to produce an outcome that met the clients’ needs and responded to the site’s heritage significance. The house contributes a new chapter in the historic streetscape.

The new addition presents a clean, contemporary element in harmony with the original house. Visual separation between the old and the new is achieved with contrasting geometric forms, heights and setbacks. At the same time, the addition references the existing through complementary proportions, materiality and simplified detailing. The result is a cohesive whole with a legible story of change.

Internally, the central corridor leads to four generous bedrooms, sitting room and utilities, before opening up to an open plan kitchen, dining and living space. This generous family space is washed with light from the north facing clerestory window. Full height sliding glass doors open up to a semi-covered outdoor living space, BBQ area, lawn and swimming pool.

The material and colour palette creates harmony between the interior and exterior. The curved white masonry wall motif links the front addition to the rear living space. The minimal palette provides a warm, contemporary backdrop to family life. The interiors were in collaboration with VM Style Group.