Melbourne
based Modscape designed a light‐filled, minimalist extension for a house hidden away from the
surrounding city.
Photography © John Madden
Description:
Inspired
by our client’s brief for a minimalist, tranquil residence hidden away from the
surrounding city, Modscape worked with the existing structure and added a new
extension that would increase the amount of natural light and fresh air
entering the house and provide an open living area with an intimate master
retreat above.
Before
work began, this Victorian‐era
house in Albert Park, Victoria, had closed‐off, compartmentalized rooms with a tacked on, lean‐to extension resulting in a lack of light, ventilation
and outdoor connection. Modscape set about transforming it into a light‐filled,
airy space with generous proportions.
Heritage
characteristics are retained in the original portion of the house, which
seamlessly opens to a light and spacious social space
that stretches across the full width of the block. Large, full‐height glazing recessed into the floor and
ceiling, ensure living and
dining effortlessly spills outside to the courtyard and pool beyond. Protective
walls extend from inside to out creating a large
internalized backyard blurring the lines between inside and outside, old and
new, open but sheltered. Sited on a busy street,
the rear extension and courtyard containing a single Japanese Elm tree, provide
a quiet haven for the residents and creates
its own aspect within the property. When sitting in the living room, light
bounces off the water in the pool producing wonderful
patterns on the ceiling.
The
interior utilises a timeless, restrained material palette. The natural
limestone tiles were selected as a hardwearing, low maintenance
option for a busy home. This floor finish runs through the entire house – from
the front door to the bottom of the pool
– linking the spaces and further blurring the transition from old to new,
inside to out.
The
kitchen is connected but slightly separated from the main living space allowing
it to function independently. Custom‐made joinery
pieces open up to be a fully functioning work space but close down when not in
use to appear like a piece of furniture.
Paired‐back with integrated appliances, the kitchen
further reinforces the over‐arching design idea to create a tranquil space devoid
of clutter.
Upstairs,
the master suite is constructed from two modules and contrasts the openness of the ground floor. Much of the master bedroom’s
sense of calm and intimacy is achieved through the dappled light and shadow
created by a fine cedar screen – softening
afternoon light and allowing for daytime glimpses out while maintaining
privacy. Natural limestone tiles coupled with cleverly
placed skylights, create a soft, tranquil ensuite – a perfect place to relax in
the tub after a stressful day.
To
maximise the solar performance of the house, adequate sun shading is provided
by the first‐floor
timber box, which overhangs
two meters. This allows winter sun to penetrate deep into the home but provides
vital protection from the summer heat
ensuring no air conditioning is required.
Modscape
coordinated all aspects of the build including planning approval, demolition, services connections and landscaping including
pool. The modular extension was constructed in 10 weeks, installed in a day
with the clients moving back in shortly thereafter.
Source: Modscape
