A typical 1980s single storey three-bedroom villa in Melbourne’s east, the clients, a professional couple, felt constrained by an outdated floor plan which saw circulation and formal dining space take precedence over the contemporary desires for modern conveniences and open, informal living and entertaining. Inbetween Architecture worked with the brief and project constraints to propose a number of options to transform the compartmentalised floor plan into a contemporary, open plan interior.

Spatial quality and flow were prioritised resulting in the opening up of the kitchen and meals areas to create an open plan, entertainer’s kitchen with walk-in pantry and views to the courtyard garden. The seldom-used formal dining room was partially usurped by the walk-in pantry while the remainder was converted to a walk-in-robe and ensuite bathroom to service the main bedroom. The remaining wet areas were refurbished to bring the home fully inline with contemporary living.

The resulting free flowing open plan makes much better use of the available space and gives the feel of increased space without altering the building envelope. It is an example of what can be achieved within seemingly restricted conditions to vastly improve the quality and functionality of spaces and in turn the enjoyment of them.

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