At this Malvern East project, the clients required additional space for their family but with minimal backyard space the options for an addition were limited. The design added 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. Trethowan Heritage worked closely with the architect team 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.

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.