Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Terrace Reaches New Heights With Second-Storey Extension
This extension raises the roof – literally – turning a tiny, one-bedroom terrace into a unique two-storey family home
The owner’s of this Elsternwick abode sought to convert the existing one-bedroom Victorian terrace into a bright, comfortable and contemporary home, large enough to accommodate themselves and their two young children. According to designer Andrew Brown from Sketch Building Design, the main emphasis was to design a space that created a sense of openness within the tight size constraints, and to also take advantage of the available natural light. In order to realise this vision, increasing the size of the small living zone was a must, as was a second storey – not to mention a complete overhaul to the colour palette and outdoor areas. “It was in liveable condition, but the colours and lack of natural light created a dark and cold interior,” says Andrew in regards to the original home.
Photography: Matthew Ware
Photography: Matthew Ware
The new outdoor room seamlessly extends the family’s living areas, creating indoor-outdoor space to relax or entertain in.
Soft, synthetic turf was used for the outdoor area instead of decking or paving, so the children would have free reign to play in a safe environment. Maintenance and upkeep is also kept to a happy minimum for the grown-ups!
ALUCOBOND® PE composite paneling was used for the facade of the rear of the home.
Soft, synthetic turf was used for the outdoor area instead of decking or paving, so the children would have free reign to play in a safe environment. Maintenance and upkeep is also kept to a happy minimum for the grown-ups!
ALUCOBOND® PE composite paneling was used for the facade of the rear of the home.
The sloping roof to the west of the property provides a longer period of daylight to be enjoyed by the family and also captures the view of neighbouring trees.
The original house had one bedroom, a small kitchen and a bathroom to the rear of the property. A second bedroom had been converted into a living space, but the colour scheme and lack of natural light made the home feel dark, cold and unappealing.
While the design brief was to convert the period home into a modern living space for a growing family, the owner’s also wanted to retain and restore the existing Victorian heritage features such as the ceiling roses, archways and fireplaces.
Blackbutt hardwood was used for the internal flooring, adding warm and welcoming timber tones to the home’s interior.
The clients chose to go with an L-style kitchen over having an island bench in order to increase the amount of living space available.
Wall paint in ‘White on White’: Dulux
Wall paint in ‘White on White’: Dulux
Incorporating the dining table within the kitchen keeps the living area a generous size, without impacting on the outdoor courtyard space.
Vinyl Wrap cabinetry; and Caesarstone benchtops: both Urban Kitchens; appliances: Miele
Vinyl Wrap cabinetry; and Caesarstone benchtops: both Urban Kitchens; appliances: Miele
Considering the limited size of the property, there is now plenty of space for entertaining a crowd, and for the kids to run and play throughout the indoor and outdoor living areas.
The water feature outside the bathroom provides a relaxing view when enjoying a bath in the tub.
“The open tread, glass balustrade staircase was chosen specifically to open up the living area and filter light down from the upstairs window,” says Andrew.
Dark grey, 100 per cent wool carpet adorns the kids’ bedroom floors, adding a sophisticated touch to the fun, whimsical decor.
Before embarking on the project, there was a lot of red tape to get through. Council regulations, heritage overlays, the limited 149 square metres of land size and the narrow, enclosed nature of the site all posed significant constraints that needed to be dealt with. The project required full town planning and heritage permits.
Habitat pendant light: Beacon Lighting
Habitat pendant light: Beacon Lighting
“Due to the small nature of the conversion, the homeowners were able to invest in elegant higher end products and fixtures throughout the entire home,” says Andrew.
Bisazza mosaic glass tiling was used for the bathroom and ensuite. The owners chose to have no door separating the master bedroom and ensuite, so the patterned tiling could act as a feature, reflecting light and creating a subtle shimmer that can be viewed from the bedroom.
The outdoor area features a built-in barbecue and quirky coloured tile splashback, which provides a visual connection to the colours used in the kitchen and living room.
Spotted gum timber, supplied by Woodform Architectural, was used for the outdoor barbecue area and ceiling. Blackbutt timber and concrete pavers were used for the barbecue flooring surrounds.
Spotted gum timber, supplied by Woodform Architectural, was used for the outdoor barbecue area and ceiling. Blackbutt timber and concrete pavers were used for the barbecue flooring surrounds.
“The addition was designed to maximise the north-facing courtyard for entertaining, providing a great space for adults and children to enjoy sunny days,” says Andrew.
“The frameless bi-fold doors were chosen so the entire rear of the home could be opened up to the courtyard,” says Andrew. The frameless glass allows the view to be unobstructed from the thick frames that often accompany typical bi-fold doors.
Bi-fold frameless glass doors: Lotus Doors
Bi-fold frameless glass doors: Lotus Doors
The bold, angled rear facade creates a striking impression when viewing the house from the rear courtyard – particularly at night. These architectural features give the home the contemporary form and feel that the homeowners were after.
Who lives here: A young professional couple with two young children
Location: Elsternwick, Melbourne
Size: 149 square metres; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan kitchen and dining area
Cost: $350,000 for the extension
The cheerful, yellow-coloured front door sets the scene for this light, open and inventive extension.