Our clients came to us with a wonderful character home that they wanted to retain and upgrade, keeping the good bits whilst considering how to design a modest addition to the rear to accommodate their changing needs.

Our primary objective from the beginning was to preserve and repurpose as much of the existing building structure as possible. We intended to add only the essential floor area needed to ensure there was still plenty of space for gardens. The existing ‘lean-to’ presented an ideal opportunity to transform a poorly functioning internal space into a spacious, covered patio area that connects to all the main living spaces of the home, which were previously located deeper within the floor plan.

In addition to this repurposing of space, we added on a small ‘tower’ to the back yard that housed a new master bedroom and ensuite as well as a flexible ground floor space and new laundry and study nook. Clad in plywood and painted black externally, this new addition provided a contrasting yet respectful architectural language against the rich character of the existing home.

With the addition of a garage accessed off the rear laneway, these new buildings create a rich courtyard garden space to the north of the site, bookended by a small swimming pool.

Status: Completed 2024

Project Type: Homes – new build

Client:   Private

Materials: Concrete, Timber, brick

CREDITS:

Architecture – MDC Architects

Construction – Pirone Builders