The existing house is what is known in Melbourne as a 'State Bank Cal Bung'.
It was built in 1927, nine years after the end of World War One, as part of a plan to make Australia a better, more egalitarian society.
The State Bank Savings houses were built as a part of a government initiative in 1920 that provided workers on low incomes with better housing and to offer families in the middle-ring suburbs, such as Thornbury, a chance to own a home of their own.
The project is an alteration to the rear of this type of 'Cal Bung' timber home.
The project takes its cue from the idea that traditionally homes of that era, that service rooms, are all located to the rear all accommodated in a 'lean-to' gabled roof addition.
We took the 'lean-to' and turned it on its axis, from south to north, to east to west, thereby allowing the new north elevation to stretch across the block from boundary to boundary.
A custom timber pergola frames the dark composite timber panel clad addition, which is punctuated with vibrant 'Apple Jack' apertures that are both places to sit and places to grow herbs & flowers.
Stage: Completed December 2017