Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

The brick warehouse form below with Spanish-inspired cantilever pool element and hanging plants above..
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial two-storey brick red house exterior in Melbourne with a flat roof.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Melbourne with metal siding, a flat roof and a metal roof.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey concrete house exterior in Melbourne with a flat roof, a metal roof and a black roof.

Mid-sized modern two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Other with mixed siding, a flat roof and board and batten siding.

A refined exterior detail featuring vertical timber cladding and warm batten screens framing the balcony. Integrated planter boxes soften the modern geometry with cascading greenery, blending natural elements with architectural precision.

Mid-sized contemporary two-storey black townhouse exterior in Other with wood siding, a gable roof, a tile roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey brick white house exterior in Auckland with a gable roof, a metal roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

Inspired by Mid-century architecture, this home sits quietly confident on a corner property overlooking a park.
Mid-sized midcentury one-storey concrete multi-coloured house exterior in Adelaide with a hip roof and a metal roof.

Arquitecto: Ramon Fañanas Saura
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey white exterior in Other with mixed siding and a flat roof.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey white exterior in Brest with a gable roof and mixed siding.

Architekt: Möhring Architekten, Berlin und Born a.Darß Fotograf: Stefan Melchior, Berlin
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional one-storey brick white exterior in Berlin with a gable roof.

This is an example of a mid-sized industrial one-storey exterior in Melbourne with metal siding and a gable roof.

Porebski Architects, Beach House 2. A simple palette of materials and finishes, executed with finely detailed precision and requiring minimal maintenance, create the light sensibility of the structure. Operable layers of the facade generate the transparency of the house, where primary visual and physical connections are made to the surrounding natural site features. Sliding timber shutters and cavity sliding windows and doors allow spaces to open seamlessly, blurring the demarcation between inside and out. Photo: Conor Quinn

This is an example of a mid-sized modern three-storey concrete grey exterior in Stuttgart with a flat roof.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey stucco house exterior in Other with a flat roof.

Paul Craig
Mid-sized contemporary black townhouse exterior in London with metal siding.

Patrick Desvergnes
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary one-storey brown exterior in Bordeaux with wood siding.

Åke Eson Lindman
Photo of a mid-sized scandinavian two-storey beige exterior in Stockholm with wood siding and a gable roof.