Project Description

The original, single storey cream brick veneer house – typical of the Camberwell area – is now almost unrecognisable after this renovation. As a hint to it’s past life, a few key features like the round window at the front and the chimney detail were replicated and enhanced as part of the detailed architectural design. The front three rooms were retained and modernised, while the remainder of the house was demolished and rebuilt – including a first floor addition. The site is wedge-shaped with the point of the wedge at the rear of the site, which made it difficult to expand the house as the site width kept reducing to the back. The challenge was met by some clever design that also created a sheltered outdoor space within the centre of the house. Three tall feature windows emphasise the high volumes around the stairs and create a dramatic entrance to the main, informal living areas of the house. As it so often naturally becomes the centre of the house, the kitchen forms the core of the main living area, linked directly in an open-plan style to the informal living and meals spaces, and further connected to the formal lounge, butler’s pantry, laundry and garage. The kitchen space is defined by the lower, flat ceiling above, while bold roof forms and window design beyond create a dynamic living area.