The design response was to create a
second, distinctly modern entry off the
driveway leading straight into a large
mud room with storage lockers for
each family member, laundry and wine
store.
This space leads to the main living
area, kitchen, dining and semi-open
study nook directly off the lounge area.
Having young children, this place is
ideal for easily accessible toy storage
and in later years a supervised study
zone. With both parents working
from home regularly and two young
children, the renovation and extension
had to be practical and stand the test
of time as they grew up.
The clients wanted the new addition
to have a strong connection to the
original home they fell in love with,
while establishing a living zone
directly linked to the garden and
new pool. Early discussions about
materiality lead to a combination of
recycled red brick, black steel framed
windows, blackened blackbutt and
black metal trims.
Contemporary yet sustainable
materials; solid and everlasting just
like the original home. The Victorian
facade had been rendered and painted
a dull cream, so it was decided to strip
back the render and paint to reveal
the bricks behind. The original red
bricks were in excellent condition and
completely transformed the facade
into its former glory, while establishing
a distinct connection between the new
red brick contemporary addition and
the original home.
This unveiling of the original house's
red bricks was a stand out moment
during the construction phase as
we could all see it suddenly coming
50
together as one cohesive design.
Internally, we wanted to create warmth
and softness to contrast the hardy
exterior material palette and establish
a seamless transition between the old
and new.
Internal steel framed doors mark
the transition threshold which is
further enhanced with a floor finish
change from timber to a hydronic
heated, concrete slab. Soft blue and
contrasting dark blue/grey tones were
teamed up with light timber joinery
to create an interior colour palette
that emanated a sense of calm and
tranquility from the hustle and bustle
of daily life, and the busy main road
location.
www.merryleesarchitecture.com
Images:- Tom Ross tomross.xyz/