With an available site footprint of only 45 sqm, our brief and primary design challenge was to create a unique and energy-efficient addition to a double-storey terrace house on a steeply sloping site in inner-city Melbourne. This addition incorporates a kitchen and living space, a study, bathroom, laundry and bedroom. All spaces needed to connect seamlessly to each level of the existing building.

A three-storey vertical addition contemplated as a series of interlocking ‘stacked’ spaces and volumes connects intuitively to every level of the existing house. A series of sculptural light shafts are used to visually extend spaces, control views, and provide an energy-efficient means of naturally ventilating the house. At the end of a traditional Victorian hallway, occupants are met with a view of the sky and a soaring vertical space that connects old and new.

A lower ground level kitchen and family living room are flooded with natural light from above. This space feels deceptively open and spacious despite its compact size and semi-submerged location. At mid-level a study, laundry and bathroom are accessed from the half landing of the original staircase. These spaces, with their view of the city skyline, are both unexpected and delightful. At the top floor, an open loft-style bedroom overlooks the three-storey sky lit void.