Houzz Tour: The Modern Extension That Broke Down Barriers
A modern extension to an Edwardian weatherboard is not what this family of five had in mind ... but it's just what they needed
Grace Chamia
15 May 2015
Houzz Contributor. I'm an experienced lifestyle journalist with a penchant for open houses that I have no intention of buying...
Houzz Contributor. I'm an experienced lifestyle journalist with a penchant for open... More
The character of Kingsville – a small inner-west suburb of Melbourne – is defined by its history, with much of the original building stock, which dates back to the 19th century, retained throughout the suburb. It is for this reason that homeowner Raewyn Pieris, when seeking to build an extension to the back of her Edwardian family home, wanted to ensure that it was sympathetic to and continued the theme of the original house. So she and her husband enlisted the help of David Moody from Moody Architecture to extend their home and preserve its original character. Moody, however, encouraged a more contemporary and modern building, which has resulted in a “fantastic contrast between old and new, preserving the authenticity of the Edwardian house, rather than extending it with a tacky replica,” says Raewyn.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Raewyn Pieris, her husband and their three young children, Alexander, Lesieli and newborn Penelope
Location: Kingsville, a small, inner-west suburb of Melbourne
Site size: 320 square metres
That’s interesting: The suburb of Kingsville is a triangular pocket of land resulting from a subdivision of parcel in the late 19th century, and is predominately made up of Victorian cottages and Edwardian bungalows, which were originally occupied by families and workers in nearby industrial areas.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Raewyn Pieris, her husband and their three young children, Alexander, Lesieli and newborn Penelope
Location: Kingsville, a small, inner-west suburb of Melbourne
Site size: 320 square metres
That’s interesting: The suburb of Kingsville is a triangular pocket of land resulting from a subdivision of parcel in the late 19th century, and is predominately made up of Victorian cottages and Edwardian bungalows, which were originally occupied by families and workers in nearby industrial areas.
The original two bedroom, one bathroom house had reached a point where it was no longer suited to the growing family’s needs – but moving wasn’t a welcome idea. An extension, on the other hand, could near double the space and improve flow and functionality.
Aside from getting the project over the line in terms of planning approval in a heritage overlay, the modest budget and tight size of the site were to be some of the toughest challenges.
To ensure costs were kept to a minimum, most structural changes were contained to the new extension. As a result, the original house is connected to the extension via a low-level link, which sits beneath the original house’s gutter. This ensures the new extension is structurally independent and doesn’t impede the original house.
Aside from getting the project over the line in terms of planning approval in a heritage overlay, the modest budget and tight size of the site were to be some of the toughest challenges.
To ensure costs were kept to a minimum, most structural changes were contained to the new extension. As a result, the original house is connected to the extension via a low-level link, which sits beneath the original house’s gutter. This ensures the new extension is structurally independent and doesn’t impede the original house.
To make the most of the site’s size, Moody says efficient spatial planning and zoning was at the forefront. “It was important that every space worked as hard as possible,” he says. The new extension incorporates the main family spaces, including the dining/living area, deck and garden, and are hinged around the kitchen, which acts as the focal point in an open-plan layout.
In the original house, the two bedrooms were maintained as such, while the lounge room and kitchen were converted into a master bedroom with ensuite.
In the original house, the two bedrooms were maintained as such, while the lounge room and kitchen were converted into a master bedroom with ensuite.
The external deck and garden acts as an extension of the kitchen and living areas, with direct access through retractable glass doors and windows.
The external timbers, including the deck and pergola, have been oiled and left to naturally grey off. “The timber has a lovely natural variation and texture, which adds warmth and life to the building. It worked well against the cladding of the existing home,” says Moody.
The external timbers, including the deck and pergola, have been oiled and left to naturally grey off. “The timber has a lovely natural variation and texture, which adds warmth and life to the building. It worked well against the cladding of the existing home,” says Moody.
The original rear of the house was disjointed from the yard, with very little outlook from inside.
AFTER: The back of the house now seamlessly spills out to the deck and garden beyond. The kitchen servery, for instance, acts as an extension to the kitchen bench, and flows directly out to the deck area, helping to extend usable living spaces outside.
Bi-fold windows further blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
Window frames: Tasmanian oak hardwood
Window frames: Tasmanian oak hardwood
“The fact that we can see the sky and trees from anywhere we sit in the open-plan family zones always makes us forget that we actually live in a high-density, inner-city area,” says Raewyn.
The view from the garden of the new extension, which highlights the simple use of a Pacific jarrah timber clad box form.
To the left of the deck is the new garage, which sits behind the kitchen and new laundry. The garage has direct access to the yard and open-plan living area.
To the left of the deck is the new garage, which sits behind the kitchen and new laundry. The garage has direct access to the yard and open-plan living area.
The garage seen from the laneway, with the box-like extension just peeking out from behind.
The U-shape kitchen maximises functionality with a row of counter chairs on the outer kitchen bar – and combined with the kitchen servery at the other end, almost creates the effect of one long, communal L-shaped table. This type of spatial planning also enables the family to interact from multiple areas within the house – even from outside.
Clean lines and a mostly white colour scheme with yellow and timber accents, which are echoed throughout the house, ensure the kitchen is a fluid ‘part’ of the rest of the house.
The eye is particularly drawn to the timber veneer overhead cupboards – in fact, the splashback tile was chosen on the basis that it would enhance this feature.
Unfold pendants: Form Us With Love
Unfold pendants: Form Us With Love
For unity, select grade, Tasmanian oak floorboards were chosen to match those in the original house.
While the main open-plan living spaces are grouped together, they are individually defined by the ceiling form – high and raked over the living space; low and levelled over the kitchen and dining. The living space, in particular, is further enhanced by a playful David Trubridge ‘Coral’ pendant light. “The intention was to always have a large feature pendant to bring a bit of drama to the higher volume living room,” adds Moody.
The use of low level storage, as seen running along the side of the living area, can double as perfectly-positioned seating for entertaining, and reduces the need for large furniture.
As seen here, the study nook is close to all of the action, but can be easily closed off when guests are over, keeping paperwork at bay and out of eyeshot. “Rae wanted a place she could work from that was still part of the main living space,” says Moody.
Connected spaces throughout the home ensure the adults can use the kitchen or study, for instance, while still being able to supervise surrounding areas.
Connected spaces throughout the home ensure the adults can use the kitchen or study, for instance, while still being able to supervise surrounding areas.
Again, by adding another simple yellow accent, this time a filing cabinet, the study nook feels connected to the rest of the living space, rather than separate from it.
Rather than simply adding rooms to the back of the house, Moody encouraged Raewyn to carefully consider how she and the family wanted to use the space and the types of amenities they wanted. “The proposal for a contemporary design was a little outside of her original idea and comfort zone – she was thinking: ‘Edwardian’ extension. I like to think that I challenged her a little during the briefing and design process to help her focus on what was important to her and her growing family,” says Moody.
“The main thing we appreciate, which is so simple, is the flow of this house, which simply makes sense,” says Raewyn. “Everything is where it needs to be – the bins are just outside the kitchen, the clothesline just outside of the laundry, the bedrooms can be shut off from the back of the house so our babies can sleep while we have a kids’ party in the back of the house…”
The homeowners had originally built the dining table, pictured, for the dining area in the original home – it was finished in a dark stain. Upon completing the extension, however, they decided they would sand and restain the whole table to suit the lighter character of the new space.
The homeowners had originally built the dining table, pictured, for the dining area in the original home – it was finished in a dark stain. Upon completing the extension, however, they decided they would sand and restain the whole table to suit the lighter character of the new space.
The dining room remains in its original location, but additional glazing was added to increase natural light and the room’s connection to the outdoors. “We really love the natural light let in by north-facing windows,” adds Raewyn. The deliberate placing of glazing throughout the house, directing the eye out through to the garden, also adds to the sense of space.
Music has a definite place in the home. Raewyn grew up playing guitar and singing in choirs, and her husband studied composition at the Melbourne Conservatorium. The antique Thürmer piano was a gift from his parents, so Raewyn could add another instrument to her repertoire. Both parents hope their children will share their love of music, and the piano is definitely a great starting point, with plenty of sentimental value.
Music has a definite place in the home. Raewyn grew up playing guitar and singing in choirs, and her husband studied composition at the Melbourne Conservatorium. The antique Thürmer piano was a gift from his parents, so Raewyn could add another instrument to her repertoire. Both parents hope their children will share their love of music, and the piano is definitely a great starting point, with plenty of sentimental value.
AFTER: The main bathroom remains in the original house but has been extended out to where the bath sits now. Windows were then added on each side of the extension, with views out to the garden. Wall-mounted hooks play on the yellow theme and are a handy way to keep a growing number of family towels at bay.
The vanity is intentionally placed in the centre of the bathroom, so it hides the shower and toilet behind it. Clever storage is built into both sides of the vanity, and provides easy access to towels.
Materials are echoed throughout the home – white tiles on the walls and kitchen splashback, and large format grey tiles on the floor of all wet areas, for instance – for consistency and to maintain a neutral palette, which Moody says “allows for accents and highlights to be added and changed as the tastes of the homeowners mature.” The white penny tiles in the main bathroom, however, while maintaining the neutral palette, were chosen by the homeowners to add texture and differentiate the space from the other wet areas.
Hatria Grandangolo basin: E&S Trading; Kytin basin mixer: Dorf
Hatria Grandangolo basin: E&S Trading; Kytin basin mixer: Dorf
Both Lesieli’s (top) and Alexander’s (bottom) bedrooms stayed put in the original house and had some minor plaster repair work done to the lath plaster walls. All of the doors and door/window frames were removed, sanded and repainted, and similar joinery cupboards were added to each room to maximise functionality and storage.
AFTER: The lounge room and kitchen/dining area in the original house was converted into a master bedroom with ensuite.
The original fireplace, which was never used, was closed off and now functions as a small display area.
The original fireplace, which was never used, was closed off and now functions as a small display area.
In the ensuite, recessed shelving helps to maximise the space, and again we see the same tile that was used for the kitchen splashback – also used in the laundry (next image).
AFTER: The laundry, too, remained in the original house, but was completely gutted and replaced with new joinery storage, white goods, sink and tile splashback, to make room for more storage and working space.
Existing floor plan and demolition plan
Final floor plan
Final elevations
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Trade Shows
Building a Future: A Program For Change
By Houzz AU
Australia's leading construction, architecture and infrastructure show opens next week... we preview what's on offer
Full Story
Most Popular
Best of the Week: 28 Amazing Australian Homes
Building or renovating? Here's a smorgasbord of some of the incredible homes by Houzz pros to whet your appetite
Full Story
Stickybeak Of The Week
Stickybeak: A Controversial Welcome for a Contemporary Home
Meet the brave new home that breaks the rules, and read the story of how the design came to fruition
Full Story
Stickybeak Of The Week
Stickybeak of the Week: A Home Fit for Multi-Generational Guests
By Pia Sinha
Despite the challenge of an extensive brief, this new home meets every expectation, for family and visitors alike
Full Story
Kitchens
Room of the Week: Classic Colours Make a Contemporary Kitchen
Although designed to highlight the view to the wine room, this kitchen can't help but shine like a jewel
Full Story
Stickybeak Of The Week
Stickybeak of the Week: A Contemporary Family Home... on a Slope
By Pia Sinha
This modern East Fremantle home presented both build and design challenges. See the clever ways these were overcome
Full Story
Flooring
How Do I... Choose a Timber Floor?
Are you in the market for a new timber floor? Read our expert guide to choosing the perfect style to suit your needs
Full Story
Beach Homes
My Houzz: A Sophisticated Beach Shack for Laid-Back Entertaining
This semi-retired teacher and her husband have created a casual beachside haven for super-sized family get-togethers
Full Story
New Zealand Homes
Houzz Tour: Steampunk Style in the Suburbs
A daring duo throws caution to the wind to revamp their '80s Auckland home with flair
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Historic Home Meets Contemporary Open-Plan Living
A 1920s Melbourne house gets a harmonious modern extension
Full Story
Hi atcomas. If you send me an email to david@moodyarchitecture.com.au I can provide you with some cost information on this project.
David