The owners of this double fronted Victorian cottage in Northcote chose the property based on its old world charm, access to local amenities, original period frontage, large formal rooms and rear lane access for parking. Although the century old house had been poorly maintained and had an outdated extension, the new owners as the proprietors of Westgarth Builders could recognise its potential to renovate and extend to accommodate the needs of their growing family. They approached Ardent Architects to assist then in realising their dreams for a heritage style house with all the conveniences of a large, light filled, open plan contemporary style home, with separate living areas for parents and children.
They wanted to retain all the character of their original home but ensure that the master bedroom had its own walk-in robes and en-suite bathroom and the children’s rooms had access to their own bathroom and breakout area.
Ardent realised their vision by designing a gridded international style, exposed black steel extension with proportional and continuous lines from the ground floor to the roof. The full length windows of the extension overlook the landscaped gardens, deck and swimming pool bringing the light and the transparency of the garden into the living area. The clever positioning of the pool means that the reflections dance on the ceiling of the living area; from sunlight in daylight hours and pool light in the evenings. Westgarth Builders did a fantastic job on the project.