Stickybeak of the Week: Elegant Metallics Glam Up a Period Home
A dramatic light-filled extension is injected with sultry tones and glamorous textures for an embracing touch
With stunning views of their local beach, a coastal outlook was integral to the design and orientation of this modern extension, which sits behind the heritage frontage of a Melbourne home. Keen to explore the way shape and form can funnel light and airflow through a residential space, the owners approached architects and designers Ewert Leaf to create a playful and dramatic addition to their early 19th-century property.
High on the owners’ wish list was a stunning entertaining space that incorporated the living, dining and outdoor areas, while also ensuring that both the old and the new parts of the property retained their unique identity yet worked together as a whole.
High on the owners’ wish list was a stunning entertaining space that incorporated the living, dining and outdoor areas, while also ensuring that both the old and the new parts of the property retained their unique identity yet worked together as a whole.
One of the main challenges for the architects was connecting the new and the old parts of the property. The owners and architects alike were determined not to accept a conservative solution that continued the aesthetics of the existing dwelling and failed to bring any drama or impact. Both areas had to retain a sense of individual character while working together to balance each other. As a result, old-style metal shingle tiles were used on the new extension to create a clean delineation between old and new, while still being sympathetic to the surrounding neighbourhood character.
The expansive extension was given a gallery-style feel that suits its art-collecting owners, while the generous living space is ideal for entertaining, particularly as it opens onto the beautiful landscaped exterior and pool. Overhead, the open walkway in perforated metal by Locker Group creates a visual delineation to the adjacent living and dining spaces.
The high-end kitchen is captured in a moody palette of charcoal cabinetry, concrete-look reconstituted stone and timber-veneer open shelves, and was designed as the centrepiece of this living space. Rimex’s bronze-toned metal cladding injects the earthy tones with a sophisticated warmth and touch of luxe.
The high-end kitchen is captured in a moody palette of charcoal cabinetry, concrete-look reconstituted stone and timber-veneer open shelves, and was designed as the centrepiece of this living space. Rimex’s bronze-toned metal cladding injects the earthy tones with a sophisticated warmth and touch of luxe.
The bronze finish is continued onto the splashbacks to heighten the glamour, exploiting the abundance of light in the modern extension and bouncing it around the space.
Behind the show-stopping kitchen, a butler’s pantry is the real work area of the house. The owners were extremely involved with the design and layout of the space to ensure it included the pantry, laundry and wine storage, as this area is an integral component to the functionality of the house.
Behind the show-stopping kitchen, a butler’s pantry is the real work area of the house. The owners were extremely involved with the design and layout of the space to ensure it included the pantry, laundry and wine storage, as this area is an integral component to the functionality of the house.
The generous central island bench is highlighted in honed ‘Savana Grey’ marble, and is a wonderful spot for morning coffee or evening drinks.
Another important factor in the design of this space was the inclusion of cross-ventilation to reduce the need for mechanical requirements. The architects achieved this by deliberate window placement, allowing natural light and airflow to move through the space with ease.
‘Savana Grey’ marble: Attila’s Natural Stone and Tiles
Another important factor in the design of this space was the inclusion of cross-ventilation to reduce the need for mechanical requirements. The architects achieved this by deliberate window placement, allowing natural light and airflow to move through the space with ease.
‘Savana Grey’ marble: Attila’s Natural Stone and Tiles
Although the new space is an open-plan layout, two separate zones have been created through the strategic design of joinery elements that define the function and usage of each area. For example, the dining room features bespoke joinery that includes a fireplace and the striking staircase ascending to the side…
… while the vast living space is defined by a low, continuous credenza unit that exaggerates the length of the space, and mirrors the expansive skylight overhead. These elements draw the eye to the extended outdoor living space and pool beyond.
Again, dark, earthy tones have been used in the seating area to evoke an intimate and cosy feel.
Again, dark, earthy tones have been used in the seating area to evoke an intimate and cosy feel.
A new master ensuite bathroom was also incorporated into the extension, and a similar moody palette has been used to bring a sense of retreat and rejuvenation to the space.
Eveneer Joinery: Elton Group
Eveneer Joinery: Elton Group
Hand-glazed penny round mosaics create a chic backdrop for the neutral floor tiles and light-toned joinery finishes. The overall effect is refreshing and calming, echoing the restorative essence of the light-filled extension below.
Floor and wall tiles: Signorino; Kiklo Penny Round mosaics: Perini Tiles
Floor and wall tiles: Signorino; Kiklo Penny Round mosaics: Perini Tiles
The Hekke European oak floorboards, from the Eterno range at Tongue n Groove, have a subtle grey stain that creates a neutral base and adds to the gallery aesthetic of the new extension. The result is the ultimate in easy-living and entertaining.
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Location: St Kilda West, Victoria
Size: 274 square metres; the extension includes 1 master bedroom with ensuite, a kitchen, butler’s pantry, dining and living space
Awards: 2017 Melbourne Design Awards Gold Winner. 2017 House Awards Shortlist – House Alteration and Addition Over 200 square metres.
Architect and designer: Ewert Leaf
With the original home situated on a narrow, elongated plot, the architects were faced with the rigours of a complex site; they then also had to create a new extension that was appropriate to the neighbourhood, which features predominantly period properties. Fortunately, the architects had recently completed a similar project in a nearby suburb, so the owners had confidence in the designers’ ability to work with the constraints and intricacies of the site.