Located on a former farmland site in Balwyn, the Kenny Street House is a unique project in that the site is a relatively large, flat site surrounded by much smaller houses in the middle of suburban Melbourne. The new house makes reference to its agricultural origins via its’ barn-like external form and its’ location towards the centre of the site, similar to the location of the original homestead.

Our client’s brief was for a light-filled family home that allowed all four members of the family to interact in the one main living space but to also offer various opportunities to have spaces that allowed for activities with varying levels of privacy. There was also a strong emphasis on sustainability in that the house had to be comfortable all year round with very low energy use and to encompass passive solar principles.

We started by zoning the main double height living/dining/kitchen areas on the north side which allowed access to the most natural light with the bedrooms, bathrooms and utility rooms to the south. These double height living areas created a sense of space and volume to the main living areas as well as allowed a visual connection with the upstairs mezzanine retreat which was accessible from the upstairs bedrooms.

Externally, the materials selected were durable and robust - including metal cladding and drystone stacked walls which transitioned to warmer textures and curved forms internally. This was done via curved timber wall cladding on the ground floor mirrored by curved timber battens on the first floor which were offset by the subtle textures of the polished slab and off form concrete.

This house also incorporated a number of sustainability principles at the core of its design. The pitch of the large north facing roof allowed for a large number of solar panels so that the house could run effectively off-grid. This roof then continued as an eave to the north of the living room at the ideal overhang to prevent direct sun in the summer but allowed solar access in the winter. An exposed concrete slab to the living/dining room provided thermal mass to absorb this winter sun and gently radiate into the space throughout the day. In addition to this, the openable skylights near the roof ridge and ceiling fans allowed hot air to flush out of the house on hot days, whilst allowing natural light into the deeper parts of the house.

The result is a family home that finds the balance between form and function – whilst it makes a strong architectural statement, it is also very comfortable to live in and understands all the needs of the family who live in it.

Located on a long narrow site in Clifton Hill, this project expands on an already grand Victorian terrace, responding to the slope of the site by incorporating a series of gentle internal and external level changes in the new extension. The result is a succession of spacious and light-filled living areas at ground level, and an expansion of the existing dark and damp subfloor spaces to create a new large rumpus room and feature wine cellar.

Existing spaces in the original front part of the house have been largely retained, refreshed by new internal finishes and light fittings. A new generous kitchen and dining at the rear are separated from a sunken living room by a double-sided wood fireplace and hearth, whose white stacked brickwork provides a solid visual anchor for the surrounding spaces. The palette of pale oak timbers and warm grey tiles and stone keeps these south-facing spaces bright, with contrast provided by natural walnut veneer joinery and black steel-framed windows and doors.

Photography: Tatjana Plitt

The Elms is a boutique development of 5 apartments located on a quiet, tree-lined street in the bayside suburb of Brighton, Melbourne. 

The architecture of the Elms was inspired by the beautiful Elm trees which line both sides of the street providing an ever changing streetscape with colour and texture.  The large leaves of the Elm trees are oval in shape with distinctive veins, both of which have been referred to in the façade patterning of the two large architectural elements on either side of the front entrance.

A variety of materials were chosen for the façade to complement and reference the streetscape colours and textures, including cypress pine fencing, textured white brickwork, spotted gum linings on the eaves and hand-crafted metal cladding on the walls.

The organic, curved concrete patterning on the external façade of the building continues into the lobby area with timber battens on the walls backed by a bronze-coloured glass.  This is complemented by a wall of sheer curtains, timber stairs and natural stone floor tiles which add balance and softness into the space. 

Each apartment has been designed to be spacious and stylish, each with access to natural light and direct views to the street trees from their main living spaces.  Each space has been carefully designed with functionality in mind, complemented by a combination of natural timber, marble, natural stone and glass.  Brass highlight elements including custom curved finger recesses, solid brass shelves and custom, locally designed light fittings add individuality and personality to each apartment.

Located on a long and sloping site along the Mornington Peninsula, the McCrae Bush house is a dwelling that was inspired by its unique surrounding context of native bushland and the close proximity of Port Phillip Bay. Located on the highest point of the site towards the rear so as to take advantage of the water and treetop views, the curved driveway approach to the building was carefully considered in the design of the building form which begins with the house appearing to nestle within the bush context then gradually becoming more dramatic and angular as one as one gets closer.

The elevated angular form of the building was driven by the client’s brief of wanting to be able experience the site from an elevated positing amongst the treetops as well as being able to have a double height living space with a mezzanine library/sitting area above. External windows were precisely located to frame specific views of the surrounding bushland the water views from the kitchen, dining and outdoor terrace.

Recycled red ironbark was chosen as the external wall cladding which has been designed to weather to a natural silver finish, so as to blend in with the colours of the native bushland. External materials, walls and windows were also carefully selected and located to ensure bushfire attack level compliance and durability considering the close proximity of saltwater.

The dwelling can be divided into three zones – the entrance and meditation room on the ground floor, the main living spaces upstairs on the first floor to the north and the bedrooms to the rear. The main living areas were located on the first floor to take advantage of the elevated water views and outlook into the surrounding bushland, whereas the bedrooms were located to the rear for greater privacy. The meditation room downstairs was to be a quiet, contemplative space away from the rest of the house with its’ own self-contained accommodation for visiting Zen masters to stay overnight.

Sustainability was also an important principle of this project as well, from the extensive use of recycled materials and natural finishes with low chemical content, to optimal orientation to capture the sun, high performance glazing and utilization of natural ventilation throughout to minimise the amount of heating and cooling needed throughout the year.

Located on a relatively deep site in the inner city suburb of Northcote, the aim of this project was to renovate and restore a double fronted Victorian terrace house and provide a new spacious, light-filled modern rear and upstairs extension to the rear.

To achieve this, the existing building footprint was used to accommodate the master bedroom, two bathrooms, gym and home office, while a new pantry, laundry and hallway were added. The new open kitchen, dining and living area was created to the rear, leading to a feature steel and glass staircase that takes you to the first floor. Here, there are three additional bedrooms, a shared family bathroom and a teenage retreat.

Large stacker sliding doors open up to the backyard which includes an undercover dining area, a new swimming pool and a four-car garage. The interiors were designed with a subtle palette of materials that add warmth and texture to each space while balancing the clean lines and high ceilings. The focus was on dark natural timbers, marble finishes and neutral colours.

Situated on a prime beachfront corner site, this project encompasses the development of two upscale townhouses in Altona. Designed to embrace the stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, the front residence features elevated living spaces facing the ocean views, alongside ancillary areas branching off from a central double-height circulation zone with an adjacent north facing courtyard.  This circulation zone serves as a focal point, guiding access to the upper-level bedrooms, bathrooms, and a children’s retreat.  The upstairs master bedroom that captures the panoramic view of the ocean, serves as a standout feature. 

Internally, a material palette comprising charcoal-coloured engineered timber floors, warm grey stone, dark timber veneer joinery and sleek black furnishings give the spaces a modern sophisticated feel.  Each bathroom is appointed with luxurious finishes including a marble feature wall, oversized porcelain tiles, dark timber veneers and contrasting long black tiles, complemented by strategically placed skylights that bring in natural light.

Externally, the facade balances clean modern lines with an interplay of textures including metal, concrete, timber and perforated white bricks, lending depth and visual interest to the composition. Curved glass windows soften the facade and frame picturesque views from the living areas.

Located on a gently sloping site in a heritage-graded precinct of Hawthorn East, this project is a renovation and extension to an existing double-fronted Victorian terrace home. The original front rooms have been retained and restored, repurposed as a new master bedroom and ensuite, home office and guest bedroom, refreshed by new internal finishes and light fittings.

Responding to the northerly rear orientation, the new generous kitchen, dining and living spaces have been located to the rear, connecting seamlessly to the backyard via large sliding stacker doors. A palette of pale oak timbers, warm greys and lightly textured stone and concrete add texture and warmth to the spaces, with subtle blue accent joinery and wall finishes add touches of colour throughout.

An internal courtyard with an open steel and glass feature staircase brings light into the centre of the house and serves as a focal point, leading to the two upstairs bedrooms, bathrooms and children’s retreat.

Externally the rear façade features cement-sheet cladding with semi-random expressed joints, punctuated by the upstairs retreat window with metal surrounds. This is contrasted with the textured handmade pressed bricks on the ground level and organic curves in the backyard landscaping.

With a strong commitment to sustainability, this project also incorporates passive design principles to minimise energy usage and carbon emission. This included the specification of highly insulated double glazed PVC windows, extensive thermal insulation to all external walls and roofs, high-performing building wrap to minimise air leakage and a HRV system to redistribute air circulation throughout the home.

Situated on a heritage-graded street in Hawthorn East, this project seamlessly blends the enduring charm of a double-fronted Victorian terrace with contemporary design to create a multi-generational family home.

The original front section of the house has been carefully preserved, repurposed as three bedrooms, a study, and two bathrooms. Beyond the historic facade, a modern extension reveals a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area - designed as the central hub for family gatherings. A glazed hallway wraps around the new swimming pool, guiding you to a rear structure that houses a self-contained residence for elderly parents, a double garage, and a staircase leading to a dedicated children’s retreat.

A key design challenge was to bring natural light into the south-facing rear living spaces. This was achieved by integrating two internal courtyards, a large kitchen skylight, and a butterfly roof form with north-facing highlight windows, ensuring a bright, inviting environment throughout the year.

The interior design features a palette of natural blackbutt flooring, dark timber-veneered joinery, and large-format porcelain benchtops, with timber battens and mirrors adding layers of texture and visual interest.

In line with a strong commitment to sustainability, the project incorporates passive design principles to reduce energy consumption and minimize its carbon footprint. Key sustainable features include highly insulated double-glazed windows, extensive thermal insulation in walls and roofs, and high-performance building wraps to limit air leakage. The result is a home that remains comfortable year-round with minimal energy requirements.

The Boundary Street House is a striking, new house on a small, irregular site in Port Melbourne.  The project is unique in its context, situated on the border between commercial, industrial and residential areas and so provided an opportunity for a distinctive design.

The conceptual framework of the project was to draw inspiration from the industrial warehouse building type, and rework it to suit a residential brief.   Strong, angular lines were used on the façade in conjunction with brickwork /that was hand recycled from a demolished warehouse.

The façade was then ‘peeled open’ via the use of perforated mesh exposing the steel structure underneath.  This created varying levels of transparency and privacy whilst allowing natural light into the entrance area.  Black sheet metal cladding completed the façade which made reference to the industrial aesthetic in the area whilst also providing contrast and texture.

The double height entrance area forms the spine of the house, connecting the main living spaces downstairs with the sleeping areas upstairs.  This circulation area is filled with light throughout the day, with the combination of the perforated mesh screening and timber balustrade creating constantly changing light effects on the interior.

The client’s brief was for three bedrooms, two bathrooms and flexible open-planned living spaces.  Our response was to thoroughly understand the needs of the client and how they use each space, so that each space could be customised and detailed specifically to the their needs.

Due to the passive design principles employed in the design, the house is comfortable all year round, only requiring minimal heating and cooling.  In addition the downstairs living spaces wrap around a north facing internal courtyard, providing natural light and ventilation to the main living spaces and the double height entry area allows for hot air to be flushed out of the house during summer.    

This project was a rear and upstairs extension to a double fronted Victorian terrace house in Hawthorn East. The brief was to retain the character of the period home at the front of the house and design a spacious, light-filled modern extension to the rear.

Our response was to introduce a series of large skylights, light courts and highlight windows to bring natural light into the house, creating changing qualities of light throughout the day.

The kitchen was designed to be at the heart of the home, with an oversized feature island bench, subtle textures and fine black shadow lines to compliment the steel framed doors and large skylight over which allows natural light into the kitchen at all times of the day.

The living room was designed to be a more intimate space, with finely detailed steel framed doors which open the room out to the backyard, increasing the sense of space and providing flexibility depending on the weather and the social situation.

The rear external form features an upper façade of vertical timber battens which provide visual warmth, balance and fine detailing to the rear elevation as well as provide privacy to the upstairs master bedroom.

Situated on an elevated, sloping site in Glen Iris, this project involved expanding a 1920s Art Deco residence encompassing the addition of a new kitchen, dining area, living space, three extra bedrooms, a home office, three fresh bathrooms, and a garage and laundry to the rear.

Existing spaces and period details in the original front part of the house were retained, with the front living room repurposed as a master bedroom, walk in robe and ensuite with a new powder room and stairs worked into the existing building footprint.

A new light-filled spacious kitchen, dining and living room was added to the rear, running along the south side of the block so as to maximise the opportunity for north facing windows. The south side of the room was punctuated by a long skylight to allow natural light into the south side of the room.

Externally, the extension presents itself as a dark-toned, contemporary structure with clean lines, contrasting with the Art Deco style of the original dwelling. Dark grey vertical blades provide visual interest and architectural expression whilst offering privacy for the first floor bedrooms.

Internally a material palette featuring black cabinetry, warm timber veneers, and natural marble was carefully selected to create a striking contrast with the white-limed engineered flooring. Each bathroom was adorned with beautifully crafted handmade feature tiles, adding a touch of uniqueness and individuality to the interiors.

Photography: Tatjana Plitt

Located on a long and narrow site in the bayside suburb of Middle Park, this project sought to renovate and restore a single fronted Victorian terrace and provide a spacious, light filled modern extension to the rear. Due to the heritage grading of the existing building and its’ streetscape, the new works were designed to minimise it’s visibility from the front by setting the rear extension well back from the street.

Our approach was to retain the front hallway and two bedrooms which leads to a central feature stair and light court that brings natural light and a sense of space to the centre of the site. This leads into the new kitchen, dining and living area at the rear which can be opened up via steel bi-fold doors to the courtyard at the rear. By designing the main family space with high ceilings, skylights and spanning the full width of the site, the sense of space and light in this room is unexpected from such a narrow site.

The central feature stairs takes you to the first floor, which houses the master bedroom, WIR and ensuite, plus an additional bedroom and shared family bathroom. To the rear of the site there is a double garage with a self-contained studio above which also acts as a double-height vertical garden which creates a unique backdrop to the rear courtyard.

A subtle, tactile palette of materials were chosen for the interiors to add warmth and texture to each space with an emphasis on natural timbers and neutral colours, punctuated with black highlights such as pendant lights, finger recesses and shelving items.

Concealed behind a front wall made of handcrafted bricks, the front façade of the house sits long and low on the block, a clean and modern form with sharp detailing and a palette of exposed steel, concrete-lined walls and timber battens.

As you step through the front entrance the ceiling dramatically angles towards the east, allowing natural sunlight to illuminate the main living and kitchen areas. These spaces seamlessly connect to the internal courtyard through stacker sliding doors, providing both a spacious recreational area and a source of natural light, ventilation, and a green outlook for the main living space.

Moving towards the rear is a home office with a direct view into a workshop dedicated to BMW rally cars – a life-long passion of the clients. This well-equipped workshop can house up to four BMWs and boasts a double-height space with two vehicular car hoists.

Inside, the interiors have been thoughtfully designed to provide each space with warmth and texture while maintaining clean lines with high ceilings. The materials included dark-stained timbers, natural marble stone, and a palette of neutral colours.

Photography: Tatjana Plitt

Located on a small residential site in the bayside suburb of Middle Park, this project sought to renovate and restore a single fronted Victorian terrace house as well as provide additional accommodation to the rear. Due to the heritage status of the existing building this prompted us to design the new works to minimise it’s visibility from the front by setting the rear extension well back from the street.

Our approach was to retain the front hallway and two bedrooms which then leads into the new living, dining and kitchen area at the rear which can be opened up to the courtyard to the rear. By designing the main family space with high ceilings and spanning the full width of the site, the sense of space in this room is unexpected and striking. The white metal feature stairs takes you to the first floor which houses the master bedroom, ensuite and parent’s retreat.

Due to the small site size, every element of the design had to be well considered and customised to suit the clients’ needs to be both functional and beautiful at the same time. A durable, tactile palette of materials of metal and timber add warmth and texture to the external façade whilst internally the selection of materials and fixtures add character and individuality to each space.

Interior Design by Doherty Design Studio

Photography by Dave Kulesza

This project was a modern rear extension to a New-England style home characterised by a high pitched slate roof, dormer windows and red clinker brickwork. The brief was to renovate and repurpose the existing rooms and façade and to add a new open planned kitchen/dining/living room and master bedroom at the rear as well as create a better connection to the backyard.

The main challenge of this project was how to add new modern spaces to the existing house whilst maintaining the charm and character of the original period home. This was done by incorporating architectural elements into both new and old parts of the house, such as steel framed doors and windows, herringbone timber flooring and soft window furnishings.

The new rear extension runs along the south side of the block, allowing access to northern light to all the main living and dining spaces. Large, full height sliding doors run the length of the extension on the northern side of the extension, blurring the lines between inside and outside, giving the impression of one large space.

One of the defining features of this project was the use of in-situ concrete for the internal and external seats, the water feature and the mitred, cantilevered kitchen island bench. This compliments the industrial feel of the steel framed windows, whilst adding subtle variances in colour and texture.

Renovating a semi-detached, single fronted Edwardian terrace house always poses a unique set of challenges.  The sites are often long and narrow with a shared party wall on one side and an existing house which can be over 100 years old.  The main challenge is always how to create modern, flexible, light-filled spaces with limited site access and a tight budget.

With the Brunswick Rd house, we designed the extension to be built to boundary on both sides with high ceilings, light internal materials and strategically placed skylights to bring the light in from above.  We also designed the cabinetry to be customised to the client’s needs so that everything had a place and how each space was to be used was carefully considered.  The kitchen and dining areas also completely open up to the backyard, extending the feeling of space to the north.

The external view from the backyard was designed to showcase the clean, rectilinear lines of the first floor extension with fine perimeter detailing, and the vertical batten cladding providing visual depth and transparency to the façade.  The steel box around the window provides shelter, shading and privacy to the upstairs windows.

The materials were carefully chosen to provide texture and variety to give each element and room its' own individuality, in particular with the selection of flooring, wall tiles and joinery finishes.

The Molesworth Street house is a renovation and extension to a freestanding Edwardian period home in Kew.  The site is long and relatively narrow with an upwards slope towards the rear, with existing trees and neighbouring properties on all sides to consider.    The brief was to create a striking, modern house with light filled open spaces and clean lines.

Our response was to continue the width of the existing entrance hallway with a feature staircase/wine wall and internal light court, which in turn leads to the open planned living room, kitchen and dining area with north facing bi-folding doors that open up to the backyard.  One feature of the living room was the counter weighted split fold window, which creates an uninterrupted view from the in-situ concrete seat.

The backyard has been extensive excavated to be at the same level as the house, which then terraces up towards the garage to the rear. 

Upstairs there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a retreat oriented to the north.   To prevent overlooking to the neighbouring properties, we designed a series of pivoting angled blades to prevent overlooking to the east and west, which can also be closed to prevent heat gain in summer as well as for additional security when the owners are away.  This creates a unique adaptable façade which is always changing with the weather and seasons depending on which direction the light is.

The internal materials were all carefully chosen be subtle, textured, and balanced.  So we selected a combination of in-situ concrete, various timber veneers and a smokey grey engineered floorboard. 

This project is an artist's studio in the backyard of an existing house in Thornbury, which was done in collaboration with Phillip Johnson Landscaping.  The brief was to create a beautifully detailed, creative space for painting and sculpturing that would encourage and inspire creativity.   The studio was to sit comfortably within an organic landscape design which included a 'natural' pool that did not require any chemicals, a waterfall and creek, which was to provide a recreational space for the children.

The external materials chosen for the studio were all natural materials with an emphasis on timber that would silver over time, making it blend in with the timbers, water and rocks of the landscape.  Internally, the blackbutt flooring and plywood were used on the floors, walls and ceiling not only as a robust surface for artwork, but to blur the traditional boundaries of floors, walls and ceiling so that it did not feel like a conventional residential space.  Instead, the result is a unique, sculptured space that is warm and textured, designed for indirect light ideal for painting and sculpture.

The roof of the studio was used to warm the water of the pool in the colder months, whilst the water from the roof ran down the decorative rainchain into the pool to replace the water that was lost through evaporation.  The overflow of the pool was connected to a creek that run through the backyard, connecting the different areas of the landscape.

This project was a rear and upstairs extension to a heritage listed Queen Anne/Federation home in Hawthorn. The brief was to renovate, extend and rearrange existing rooms whilst retaining the character and charm of the original period house.

The main challenge of this project was working within a framework of the existing 100 year old structure whilst adding new, modern, light-filled spaces including a new kitchen, dining and living room, three new bathrooms and an additional storey which also contained three extra bedrooms and a retreat.

In this project there are many examples of how the new spaces have been inserted into the original period fabric and how the careful balance is found between new and old. This is done by respecting the original details and geometries and making subtle references throughout through the selection of colours, textures and detailing.

In order to make the first floor extension appear sympathetic with the original period house, a tiled pitched roof design was incorporated into the design which also gave us the opportunity to create a unique, complex plastered ceiling to the first floor. The geometry of this first floor ceiling and its’ subsequent play of light is one of the defining features of this project.

Located on a typical quarter-acre site in the leafy suburb of Malvern East, this project sought to renovate and restore a double fronted Edwardian residence as well as provide additional accommodation to the rear.

Our approach was to retain the front hallway and front four bedrooms, converting one bedroom into a master walk in robe/ensuite and the other into a sitting room/library. The new addition included two additional bedrooms, the main bathroom, powder and hallway which lead into the new modern kitchen, dining, living area at the rear. By locating the main family space lengthways along the south sound of the block with high ceilings and full height north-facing windows, the expression of light and space is particularly striking.

Internally a material palette of exposed brick, natural timbers and stone adds warmth and character to the main living spaces.

This project was a renovation and extension to a single fronted, double storey Victorian terrace house in South Melbourne.  The existing house was long and narrow, and consisted of a series of dark, dilapidated rooms planned in a linear configuration.  In addition, the site had numerous challenges, with limited access, 100-year-old two storey brick walls on both long boundaries and a site that sloped away to the rear.

 The brief was to create a striking, modern extension with light filled open spaces whilst reconstructing the period house at the front.

We started by locating all the wet areas – bathrooms and laundries in the centre of the house, with access to internal courtyards which also allowed light into the kitchen and bedrooms via a series of skylights and light shafts.  This allowed the main living spaces to open up to the rear, allowing light and natural ventilation through the house.

 The client also wanted to create a house that had its’ own identity and personality which viewed from the rear courtyard.  So we custom-designed a laser-cut metal screening device at the rear that makes reference to the period iron lacework at the front of the house.  So whilst it is made of metal and has a lace-like appearance, it also appears very light and provides varying levels of transparency.  It also provides privacy to the upstairs bedrooms and creates interesting shadows through the day.

Internally, the open stairs connect the three levels up to a large roof deck, which provides additional open space for the clients to enjoy.  It also provides a thermal chimney effect to minimise the need for mechanical cooling.

Constructing two townhouses on a typical quarter acre suburban block always poses a unique set of challenges.  Each townhouse has to read as a single entity so as to fit within the existing streetscape, and yet have its’ own identity.  Neighbouring properties often have side windows to consider and backyards that can’t be overshadowed or overlooked.  Once subdivided, the sites are often long and narrow and so the challenge is how to give the same impression of space and light as a single home on half a block. 

Townhouses are very popular amongst downsizers and families with older children, so downstairs master bedrooms are a must, plus a bright and modern kitchen and two separate living spaces.  They also have to have ample storage, secure and very low maintenance.

The response to this brief was to create two, side by side townhouses set at different heights so as to give each building a sense of difference and yet can still read as a single entity.  The first floors are set in from the side boundaries and towards the front of the block to prevent overshadowing of neighbours, as well as to allow for higher ceilings on the ground floor towards the rear.   The setbacks also allow numerous highlight windows and skylights for natural light throughout the day.

The garage, front door, study window and authority services are all covered in lightweight aluminium batten screening which creates visually cleaner lines, with low maintenance, metal cladding on the first floor.

The new living area opens up towards the garden, via fully openable stacker doors to allow the backyard to be part of the house, allow sunlight to penetrate into the living spaces in the winter months, and to allow for natural ventilation to run through the entire house.

The materials were carefully chosen to provide texture and subtle variety to give each space its' own individuality and to create different moods throughout the house, in particular with the selection of floor and wall tiles, light fittings and floor finishes.

Renovating a single fronted victorian terrace house always poses a unique set of challenges.  The sites are often long and narrow with two period bedrooms at the front and a collection of ad-hoc additions to the rear which is a reflection of the changing needs of the owners over the last century.  This creates houses which are generally poorly planned, consist of cramped spaces with limited natural light and with little connection to the outdoors.

So the brief for this renovation was to keep the front two bedrooms and to add an extension with 2 more bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a separate laundry and a light, spacious and modern kitchen, dining and living room opening out directly to the backyard.

Downstairs the bathroom, laundry and stairs, clad in a painted timber-lined box, were located in between the bedrooms and living spaces, with access to light via light courts on the north side.  This allowed for a clear transition between new and old, better access to services, as well as allowing the living room to open up uninterrupted to the backyard.

On the first floor, the two bedrooms and ensuite were strategically located so as to allow skylights to the living spaces below, as well as respecting the amenity of the neighbouring properties.

The new living area opens up towards the garden, via fully openable stacker doors to allow the backyard to be part of the house, allow sunlight to penetrate into the living spaces in the winter months, and to allow for natural ventilation to run through the entire house.

 The materials were carefully chosen to provide texture and subtle variety to give each space its' own individuality and to create different moods throughout the house, in particular with the selection of floor and wall tiles, light fittings and floor finishes.

Renovating and extending a typical Victorian terrace always poses a unique set of challenges.  The blocks are often long and narrow, with a symmetrical arrangement of period-style bedrooms at the front of the house divided by a central corridor, leading out to a small lean-to structure that was typically constructed in the 1960s and 70s.  This creates a house that has the 'nice' part of the house at the front, whereas the rear living spaces are often small, dark, cramped and often awkwardly planned.

So the main challenges with any extension such as this are firstly how to seamlessly transition from the old part of the house to the new, and how to create a sense of spaciousness and light in the new living spaces, whilst sill respecting the original building.

Our approach was to firstly separate the new and the old via the insertion of a black timber-lined box, containing the two bathrooms on both sides accessed via hidden doors.  This created a clear visual break between the new and the old, as well as create a sense of drama when one walks through the dark corridor with the lowered ceiling into the new light-filled living space.

The new living area opens up towards the garden, via a raked ceiling and fully openable stacker doors to allow the backyard to be part of the house, allow sunlight to penetrate into the living spaces in the winter months, and allow for natural ventilation to run through the entire house.

Whilst the living, dining and kitchen areas are part of the same area, they have been defined by the pendant light fittings, furniture and soft floor furnishings.

The material palette was carefully chosen to provide softness and warmth to the clean lines of the design, by using natural materials such as plywood on the ceiling, the sheer linen curtains and the blackbutt flooring.  At the same time the detailing was carefully considered via concealed pelmets for furnishings and lighting, concealed fixings of ceiling linings, flooring and joinery, and minimal use of handles so as to not distract from the form and expression of the design. 

From a sustainability perspective, passive design principles were adopted throughout, including shaded double glazed windows to the north preventing heat in the summer and allowing sunlight in the winter, large openable windows on opposite ends of the house for natural ventilation, recycling water from the roof and laundry, solar panels to generate power and extensive insulation and sealing to prevent heat loss.   This all combines to create a dwelling that requires almost no artificial heating or cooling.

This project involved renovating an existing double fronted Edwardian home and adding a rear and first floor extension on a tight site in the inner city suburb of Abbotsford.  Working with numerous site constraints, including an existing easement running diagonally through the site, large existing trees, a west facing block, site access issues and difficult soil conditions, the response was to create an extension that not only addressed all these issues, but created an integrated solution that responded to the constraints in a creative manner.

The curves in the design, in both plan and elevation, were not only a response to the site constraints, but were introduced to create more dynamic, fluid forms, whilst making reference to the bull-nosed, corrugated iron verandah roofs of the typical Edwardian home.

The green colours on the rear facade made reference to the colours of the existing Eucalyptus trees on the site, as well as providing a fresh contrast to the other colours on the facade.

By varying ceiling heights internally, we were able to let natural light into the house via clerestory windows and an internal courtyard.

Original 1920s Californian Bungalows often have the same layouts – a fairly square layout with the formal rooms on one side, bedrooms on the other, and the kitchen in the middle.  However this also comes with a number drawbacks – a dark, small kitchen, no flow from front to back, a small living room and very little connection to the backyard.  The challenge with this renovation/extension to this home in Hawthorn East was to open up the middle of the house to bring light and space into the central kitchen, allow for better circulation from the entrance and to connect the living spaces with the backyard.

This was done by removing a number of internal walls and opening up the central kitchen space, which also allowed circulation past the kitchen rather than through it.  This leads to a new, larger dining and living space which open to an expansive outdoor terrace via fine steel framed doors.

The outdoor terrace is protected from the elements by a white pergola structure which creates reflected light into the living spaces.  The extension then connects to the backyard via a series of platform landings connected by floating steps.

Sustainable materials were carefully chosen to provide individuality to each space via subtle textures and colours and to create different moods throughout the house.

The result is a beautifully crafted house that creates light, liveable and modern spaces that also respects the character of the original period home.

This project involved renovating and extending a californian bungalow in Canterbury, Melbourne.  The existing house was a collection of a number of small rooms with little practical or visual connection, including a formal dining, formal living room and a small central kitchen leading to a add-on sunroom at the back.  The challenge was to create a central family room area that linked all the rooms together, bringing light and space into the house.  This family room was to incorporate a new kitchen, dining and living room all connected via an open stair.

The approach was to carve out the family room from the existing house and extend it towards the rear of the house.  This incorporated a double height void, which allowed light into the centre of the house as well as the first floor hallway, thereby linking the family room with the bedrooms upstairs.  This void had openable skylights at the top which also allowed hot air to be expelled out through the middle of the house. 

 The extension also incorporates a semi-basement level, exterior deck and an inground swimming pool to the rear.  Linking all three levels is an open, central staircase that allows direct access to all the spaces and also adds an architectural feature to the space.

There were also numerous site constraints, including a steeply sloping site, sandy soil conditions and an existing house in original condition from the 1930s.

There was a strong emphasis on sustainability in this project, incorporating passive solar principles, natural ventilation, PVC double glazed windows, solar PV panels, solar hot water and solar pool heating.  All australian native hardwoods were also used in the project, including spotted gum flooring and victorian ash handrails and timber screens.

This project is a rear and upstairs extension to a single fronted Victorian terrace in Port Melbourne.  The brief was for three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and an open spaced family room with high ceilings.

Our response was to lower the level of the existing house by two steps to create additional height through the ground floor.  The main steel structure was also exposed, along with the existing red brick wall along the west to create an industrial warehouse aesthetic.

Light was brought into the ground floor via a light court behind the kitchen and long skylights in the living room.

Externally, the rear façade was inspired by the different textures and transparencies of period stained glass windows, with different panels with varying sizes and levels of texture.

This project involved a ground level renovation plus a first floor extension to an existing dwelling in the bayside suburb of Brighton.

The challenge for the ground level of this project was to maintain and respect the positive aspects of the original 1980s dwelling, whilst renovating and improving those aspects that were no longer suitable for the needs of a young family.  So we relocated the laundry, renovated two bathrooms, introduced a light well/stairwell and enlarged the kitchen area which was small and inefficient.

The brief for the first floor extension was to create two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study, however the real challenge was to design the extension such that view from master bedroom was light and spacious, but did not overlook or overshadow the surrounding neighbours, as well as make an architectural 'statement' when viewed from the backyard.  The response was to create a sharp, clean, modern 'box' that cantlievered over the existing house.  To the western facade, we introduced a series of angled shutters that allowed the view from the master bedroom to be light and spacious, whilst providing shade to the west and eliminated any overlooking issues.

This project was a substantial renovation/extension to a dark, single level 1960s brick villa with low ceilings.  The brief was to add three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a library, new kitchen and an underground wine cellar.

Our response was to create a central double height space in the centre of the house over the main living room which all the new areas would radiate from.  This created the feeling of spaciousness and light throughout the house throughout the year.

This project is a rear renovation and extension to an 1920s double brick 'English Cottage' style house in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. The existing house had a number of separate, disconnected rooms - a formal living, a kitchen, a formal dining room and a sun room - and what the house needed was a central, open planned living/dining/kitchen space that would also maximise the north facing aspect and the view to the pool. There was also the requirement to add a downstairs bedroom and bathroom, and renovate the two upstairs bathrooms.

The response was to prop up the first floor, and insert a clean, modern extension with large north facing stacker sliding doors and high ceilings opening out to the pool and backyard. This area is entered via a corridor with dark timber lining which not only creates a contrast between new and old, but adds to the sense of drama in arriving into the new house. The extension also incorporated a new downstairs master bedroom, ensuite, walk in robe and an upstairs roof deck to take advantage of the city views to the west.

This project was the renovation of an existing 1960s brick veneer house in Caulfield.  The brief was to renovate the outside of the house to make it look more modern, add a new garage and entrance canopy.  The inside was to incorporate a new kitchen, two new bathrooms and a remove a series of walls to open up the main spaces of the house.

The external solution was to render the exterior of the house to make it look like off form concrete, add a garage with curved walls with timber batten cladding, and a ‘floating’ angular entrance canopy.  The internal spaces incorporate subtle curves to gently lead people into the various spaces, which have all been renovated and modernized.

This project was the demolition of an existing 1960s concrete housing commission home in Chadstone.  The brief was to create a family home that incorporated four bedrooms, three living spaces, 3.5 bathrooms, an open planned family room leading out to an outdoor deck, and a double lock up garage.

The main challenges of this project were to create generous living spaces, all with access to good natural light.  One of the ways this was done was with a central void with skylights above, that brought light into the centre of the house, the hallways and the rooms connecting to it.  It also created a double height void that can be used as a thermal chimney effect on hot days.

This project is a single storey rear extension to a single fronted Victorian terrace house in Hawthorn East. The brief was to maintain the first three bedrooms, add two bathrooms and a new light filled living space at the rear.

Our response was to locate the two bathrooms within a timber-lined ‘black box’ which provided visual separation between the old part of the house and new. The other challenge was how to bring in natural light into the main living spaces, which was done by angling the ceiling over the black boxes, allowing north light via highlight windows into the kitchen. The spaces were also punctuated by lower height windows which allowed for framed green views, which was balanced by the natural timbers and restrained colour palette.