Brick Victorian rowhouse gets a double-vaulted extension

Steffen Welsch Architects were tasked with expanding a 1930s, 1,291-square-foot Californian bungalow in Melbourne to accommodate a growing family and frequent guests. The clients sought increased space alongside sustainability, flexible interiors, evolving privacy considerations, and future accessibility. The architectural solution involved adding a 1,259-square-foot rammed earth wing that sweeps off the back of the original house, curving along the property line to maximize solar gain and create a communal courtyard. The design divides the home into four distinct zones. The existing bungalow now serves as the children and guest area, comprising two bedrooms, a playroom, and bathrooms. Each zone in the expanded home features its own outdoor space. The architects strategically positioned the new addition to capture sunlight, forming a central courtyard that allows occupants to view their own home rather than a boundary fence, addressing the challenge of a south-facing extension on a compact inner-city block. Sustainability was a core principle, focusing on minimizing both embodied and operational energy. This was achieved through passive solar design, optimal building orientation, high-performance windows and doors, and the use of rammed earth. Rammed earth was chosen for its low embodied energy and its contribution to the building's thermal mass. An entry hall connects the original bungalow to the addition, leading to the new master suite. Built-in storage, clad in charred wood, was incorporated for flexible use and accessibility. The connecting corridor, featuring polished concrete screed floors, leads to shared living spaces, with high clerestory windows in the rammed earth walls providing ample natural light. A study is integrated into this corridor with external access, and an interior window from the kitchen overlooks the study and hall. The shared living spaces open onto the communal courtyard through a curved glass wall. The kitchen features flat-front cabinetry and round backsplash tiles with a pastel glaze. Material selection emphasized functionality and user interaction, with a focus on solar heat radiation, natural ventilation, and durable surfaces. The bathroom incorporates wood-paneled walls that echo the rammed earth striations, using wormy chestnut and recycled blackbutt for the counter. The playroom, located in the original house, also faces the new courtyard. The addition's design thoughtfully combines the lightweight timber-clad aesthetic of the original bungalow with the robust character of earth construction, creating a home that is both functional and aesthetically harmonized with its surroundings. #HomeDesign #RammedEarth #SustainableArchitecture #BungalowExtension #MelbourneArchitecture #FamilyHome #PassiveSolarDesign #FlexibleLiving #ArchitecturalRenovation

Double storey extensions represent a significant home improvement strategy, allowing for comprehensive interior enhancements that adapt homes to modern living demands. These extensions can facilitate the creation of open-plan living spaces, larger kitchen and dining areas, dedicated home offices, or additional bedrooms and bathrooms, including en-suites. Such additions are particularly beneficial for multi-generational living, accommodating elderly parents or adult children returning home. By extending and reconfiguring, homeowners can optimize room layouts, improve internal flow, and establish a stronger connection to outdoor spaces. The success of a double storey extension hinges on its seamless integration with the existing home, ensuring new rooms feel like natural components of the original structure. For instance, living areas on the ground floor should be easily accessible from the main entrance, and spaces like the kitchen and dining room should be strategically co-located. While most double storey extensions are positioned at the rear, corner properties or semi-detached houses and bungalows with larger gardens offer flexibility for side extensions. Converting or building atop an existing garage presents a potentially more cost-effective alternative to a complete new build, though local planning and zoning regulations must always be consulted. Architectural experts emphasize that choosing to improve rather than move is often a more economical decision, especially when factoring in the substantial costs associated with purchasing a new, larger property, including sales tax and moving expenses. An extension offers the unique advantage of being custom-tailored to the homeowner's specific needs, budget, and existing property. However, such a substantial project requires careful planning and consideration. Key design principles for successful double storey extensions include maintaining thin window frames to maximize natural light and connection to the outdoors. Starting from scratch allows for the incorporation of modern design elements, such as minimal window frames and slim sliding doors, which enhance light penetration and visual continuity with the exterior. Despite the higher initial cost compared to single-storey extensions due to the need for substantial foundations and structural work, a two-storey extension can be more cost-effective per square foot in the long run, as certain costs like design, planning, and materials are comparable, and a roof is required for both. Adding bedrooms or bathrooms, or both, can significantly increase a property's market value, making it a worthwhile investment. Foundations, regardless of construction material, must be meticulously calculated and adhere to local zoning authority criteria. Roof height is a crucial consideration, as planning policies typically require extensions to be subordinate to the main house, potentially necessitating lower ridge and eaves heights. In properties with low ceilings, integrating two full-height storeys can be challenging, though solutions like lower ceiling heights in new rooms, partial integration into the roof space, or slightly setting the extension down into the ground can be explored. Shallow pitched roofs can cover large extensions without excessive height, but their acceptability depends on the property's style and location. Flat roofs are also an option, particularly for contemporary designs of significant architectural merit. Creating a harmonious flow between new and old parts of the home is paramount. This involves ensuring consistent floor levels, continuing existing moldings, skirting boards, door furniture, and color schemes, and even extending flooring into the garden to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Strategic spatial planning is also vital to prevent obstruction of sight lines and to ensure that views to and from interior spaces are preserved or enhanced. For example, incorporating a side passage into the extension can create more usable space, and clever room arrangements can open up long views from the front of the house to the garden, enhancing natural light through features like double-height modern window bays. When evaluating the value added by a two-storey extension, several factors come into play, including the extension's size, local property values, the intended duration of stay, and available space. Consulting a local real estate agent can provide insights into market potential. However, beyond resale value, an extension can profoundly impact daily living, offering needed space and functionality when moving is not a viable option. While it can be more challenging to secure planning consent for two-storey extensions, they generally offer a greater return on investment by adding bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. The quality of design is critical to ensure the extension enhances rather than diminishes the existing home, preserving natural light, possibly through roof windows or partial-width first-floor extensions. The decision to extend versus move involves a detailed cost-benefit analysis, considering potential structural changes, utility upgrades, and the disruption of construction. Ultimately, a well-designed extension offers the opportunity to create a uniquely tailored home that perfectly suits a family's needs for years to come, making it a valuable investment in quality of life. #DoubleStoreyExtension #HomeImprovement #ArchitecturalDesign #PropertyValue #Renovation #InteriorDesign #BuildingPermits #CostEffectiveness #ResidentialArchitecture

This blog post details the renovation of a three-story Victorian home overlooking Long Island Sound in Larchmont, owned by the Pinchin family. The project, led by architect Robert Keller of Keller/Eaton and homeowner Gillian Pinchin, who also runs her interior design firm Wondernose, focused on transforming the traditional exterior with a funky, eclectic, and modern interior designed for contemporary family living. The primary objective was to modernize the home while maintaining its historical charm. The most substantial changes were implemented on the third floor. This area, which previously consisted of five small maids' rooms, was reconfigured to create a spacious master suite. This new suite now includes a master bedroom, a dedicated bathroom, a dressing room, separate his-and-hers offices, and a deck offering views of the water. The architect noted that the goal was to repurpose underutilized spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas suitable for a modern lifestyle. A unique challenge was creating a sense of privacy for the parents within the master suite without isolating it from their three young children. The solution was a 2-inch-thick, 400-pound walnut door, crafted by Pinchin’s father, which slides on casters like a barn door. This door provides privacy when closed but allows the third floor to feel contiguous with the rest of the house when open. The second floor of the home features three bedrooms and a bathroom for the children, along with a guest room, an additional bathroom, and a laundry room. On the first floor, a modern island was incorporated into the traditional kitchen, blending new elements with existing aesthetics. Additionally, a formal living room was re-envisioned as a "grown-up room" by Pinchin, providing a tranquil space with two chaises for relaxation. The basement was also renovated to include a bedroom, a bathroom, a mudroom, and a gym, all designed with a clean, simple, and functional style. For the interior design, Pinchin adopted a "gallery approach," painting most walls white to allow select pieces of artwork or furniture to stand out. The most striking element in the house is a custom graffiti wall in the dining room. Pinchin commissioned an artist from San Francisco, who used traditional paint to create a "sloppy" graffiti look, even incorporating the children's initials into the design. This "crazy wall" creates a compelling contrast with the otherwise quiet room, furnished with midcentury pieces inherited from Pinchin's grandmother. The architect highlighted this surprising juxtaposition between the home's traditional exterior and its modern interior as a key success of the project. The article further elaborates on specific design choices in various rooms. In the master bedroom, artwork above the bed provides a splash of color against a neutral backdrop. Her office maintains an all-white theme with a zebra-skin chair and personal artwork. The kitchen features a modern island and a bubble chandelier alongside a reproduction of an old master's painting and green subway tiles. The "grown-up room" boasts a lenticular image of a ballerina above the mantel, offering a dynamic visual element, and combines high-end B&B Italia chaises with an Ikea shelving unit, showcasing a blend of high and low furnishings. The overall renovation successfully merges historical architecture with contemporary design and personal artistic expression. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #ModernInteriorDesign #ArchitecturalUpdate #MasterSuite #EclecticDecor #GraffitiArt #InteriorDesign #GillianPinchin #RobertKeller

Krisna Cheung Architects has completed the 'Pergola Extension' project, a transformative renovation of a Victorian inner-city Melbourne property. This project aimed to convert an existing historic house into a generous and functional domestic hub for a local family, addressing the common habitability issues found in older Victorian homes in the area. The architectural team, led by principal Ray Cheung, drew inspiration from the house's original translucent polycarbonate rear garage façade, integrating this material into the new roof and ceiling of the living and kitchen areas. This design choice not only opened up the interior space towards the rear garden but also created the titular pergola, clearly distinguishing the extension as a contemporary addition. The use of contemporary shapes and materials for the pergola structure prominently highlights the new intervention as a modern layer upon the historic fabric. Inside, the design fosters an open-plan layout, achieved by repositioning the kitchen and merging the living and dining areas into a continuous, flowing space devoid of corridors or partitions. This seamless integration of interior spaces with the external planted areas creates a sense of spaciousness and connection to nature. Beyond aesthetics, the architectural interventions primarily focused on improving the home's environmental performance. Ray Cheung noted that many Victorian houses in inner-city Melbourne suffer from poor heating, cooling, and daylighting, leading to suboptimal living conditions. The 'Pergola Extension' dramatically enhances natural ventilation and daylighting, which in turn reduces overall energy consumption and promotes a healthier indoor environment. Sustainable strategies employed in the project include an acoustically and thermally insulated polycarbonate roof and ceiling, optimized natural ventilation, and the creative reuse of existing building materials. For instance, bricks and timber flooring from the old house were salvaged, with the rear façade bricks being repurposed for the garden's landscaping. Krisna Cheung Architects is recognized for its expertise in navigating challenging urban sites and developing innovative inner-city building solutions. Their previous projects, such as 'Colour Shingle House' in North Melbourne, demonstrate a consistent approach to revitalizing existing properties with creativity and flair, often within modest budgets. The firm's methodology emphasizes maximizing spatial generosity and optimizing both functionality and the unique personality of each design. This project exemplifies their commitment to creating impactful architectural solutions that enhance livability and sustainability without necessarily relying on large-scale budgets. The 'Pergola Extension' therefore stands as a testament to thoughtful contemporary design that respects historical context while delivering significant improvements in environmental performance and spatial quality. It successfully blends modern architectural elements with sustainable practices, offering a vibrant and efficient home that meets the needs of a contemporary family within a historically rich urban setting. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #MelbourneArchitecture #HomeExtension #SustainableDesign #VictorianHome #KrisnaCheungArchitects #OpenPlanLiving #PolycarbonateRoof #UrbanRenovation

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

A dilapidated Fort Greene row house, previously divided into four floor-through apartments, underwent a comprehensive gut renovation by Gowanus-based Elizabeth Roberts Architecture & Design, transforming it into a single-family residence. The project not only restored the entire exterior of the building but also included a Landmarks-approved three-story addition at the rear. The scope of work encompassed replacing every window and installing new heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems, addressing the property's deteriorated state. The design approach aimed to re-create period details that were lost, rather than adopting a purely contemporary aesthetic. According to Josh Lekwa, an associate at the firm, the original compartmentalized 19th-century layout, characterized by hallways closing off rooms, was unsuitable for modern living. The renovation sought to open up the interior spaces as much as possible to facilitate a more integrated living experience, allowing occupants in the kitchen to engage with friends in the dining and living rooms, while still preserving the essential feel of a townhouse rather than a loft. Most of the interior elements, with the exceptions of the arched inner entry doors, newel post, stair rail, and living room fireplace, are new. These new elements, including baseboards and moldings, were meticulously crafted to match period-appropriate designs. Exterior restoration involved repointing the front facade, re-brownstoning the lintels, sills, and stoop, and restoring the original ironwork. Arched outer doors were sourced from an architectural salvage depot to maintain historical authenticity. The flooring throughout the house consists of fumed-oak from Baba, which was hand-sanded to achieve a slightly irregular surface and finished with a low-luster clear coat, with the color derived solely from the fuming process. The homeowners collaborated with interior designer Peter Lentz on most of the furnishings. In the front parlor, a previously existing tin ceiling was removed, and new crown molding, authentic to the period, was installed based on historical profiles. A cocktail cabinet in the living room corner features Swirls wallpaper by Robert Crowder. The dining room ceiling incorporates a minimalist linear slot diffuser for the air conditioning system. Kitchen moldings were kept simpler than those in the front parlor to introduce a more modern feel to the space. The kitchen boasts custom dark green cabinetry and Calacatta gold marble countertops. On the second floor, art lights by Thomas O’Brien from Circa Lighting illuminate the bookcase in the hall. The master bathroom features a claw-foot tub from Waterworks and a shower, with honed marble hex tiles on the floor and polished nickel faucets from Perrin & Rowe. The master bedroom makes a design statement with steel casement windows from Optimum. A world map adorns the children’s bedroom. For the three-story extension at the rear, handmade bricks were selected to match the front facade, and arched windows were designed to mimic those of a neighboring house, drawing inspiration from visible original brickwork. The top-floor terrace features a door and double-hung wood windows from Marvin. The 13-foot-deep, full-width extension necessitated the removal of the original back wall. Steel windows and a steel deck lead to the garden, designed and planted by Brooklyn-based Edible Petals, utilizing bluestone found on site. A rental apartment is situated on the garden level. #FortGreene #TownhouseRenovation #ElizabethRobertsArchitectureAndDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricRestoration #BrooklynRealEstate #HomeAddition #PeriodDetails #LuxuryInteriors

The Pitcombe’s Old School House Renovation, a project by Bindloss Dawes, involves the transformation of a Grade-II listed property located in a picturesque Somerset valley, United Kingdom. The renovation focuses on blending the building's historical character with contemporary architectural elements. The project is a collaboration with Joa Studholme, a color curator for Farrow & Ball, and her husband, Andrew Studholme, reflecting Bindloss Dawes' expertise in rigorous detailing and material compositions that balance urban and rural aesthetics. Built in 2023, the renovated house has an area of 120 square meters. Key contributors to the project include Francesca Iovene for photography, Momentum for structural engineering, and Gregory Renovations for contracting. Manufacturers involved in the project include Andrew Cooke, English Woodland Timber, Farrow and Ball, and Oakwrights Joinery. The design team from Bindloss Dawes included George Dawes and Fawn Ma. The architectural approach highlights the preservation of the existing structure while introducing modern extensions. A notable feature of the renovation is the new timber extension, which complements the original building without overshadowing its historical significance. This extension is a testament to the architects' ability to integrate new design seamlessly into an older context, creating a harmonious living space that respects its heritage. The interior design, also managed by Bindloss Dawes, reflects a careful consideration of color and texture, influenced by Joa Studholme's expertise. The project aims to create a comfortable and functional home that meets the modern needs of its occupants while maintaining a strong connection to its past. The use of high-quality materials and craftsmanship is evident throughout the property, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. The project showcases a balance between old and new, demonstrating how historic buildings can be adapted for contemporary living through thoughtful renovation. The successful integration of the timber extension and the meticulous attention to detail in both the interior and exterior elements contribute to the overall success of the Pitcombe’s Old School House Renovation, positioning it as a significant example of architectural preservation and modern design. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseRenovation #HistoricPreservation #ContemporaryDesign #TimberExtension #GradeIIListedBuilding #UnitedKingdomArchitecture #BindlossDawes

Brandi and Scott Fuller embarked on a renovation journey for their 1914 Georgian home in Park Hill, Denver, intending to complete a few specific updates. Initially, their plans were modest, focusing on expanding and remodeling the kitchen, which felt too small for their combined family of seven and the 8,000-square-foot house. They also planned to add ensuite bathrooms to two upstairs bedrooms, a walk-in master bedroom closet, and a basement home gym. Despite their experience in the architecture and real estate industries, the Fullers did not anticipate the extensive scope their renovation project would ultimately encompass. What began as a "few things" quickly escalated into a near-complete transformation of their historic residence. The catalyst for this expansion was the discovery of a sagging kitchen floor, a result of a previous shoddy renovation. The architect, Toby Branch of Branch Architecture Studio, explained that addressing this structural issue required significant interventions in the basement, leading to a full structural remodel of the kitchen floor and the basement ceiling below. This, in turn, caused new cracks to appear in the main level's plaster walls, necessitating further repairs. The snowball effect continued throughout the house. The upstairs updates followed a similar pattern; converting two children's bedroom closets into bathrooms required unexpected construction, which then prompted Brandi and Scott to overhaul their master bathroom. While these projects were underway, they also decided to remodel the third-floor bathroom and bedrooms, restore a bedroom suite above the garage, replace most of the home's lead pipes, and install a new HVAC system. Brandi likened the process to getting a new sofa and then realizing the drapes and paint needed updating, illustrating how one improvement led to the desire for others. Outdoors, the initial plans to repair the original red-brick walls, sand, and paint also grew significantly. The architect enclosed the walkway between the garage and the house to create a new mudroom and added a French door and metal staircase connecting the kitchen to the yard. This enhancement transformed the yard into an additional living space, usable for a significant portion of the year. The property's original brick hardscaping now frames new plantings designed by Lifescape Colorado and artificial turf, which the Fullers chose to retain and integrate into the design due to shade and maintenance considerations. Ultimately, the renovations covered 6,000 square feet. Beyond the structural changes, a key challenge was to seamlessly blend the home's preserved original architectural details—such as old windows, millwork, wood-plank floors, marble fireplace surrounds, and even original call boxes—with modern updates. The kitchen served as a prime example of this vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. Mikal Otten, owner and lead designer of Exquisite Kitchen Design, created a "traditional kitchen with soft contemporary touches." This was achieved by incorporating simplified traditional elements, like custom cabinets with a subtle cove profile and a soft white brushstroke finish, and ethereal blue glass backsplash tiles that offer a contemporary nod to classic brick styles. A stainless steel farmhouse sink replaced traditional porcelain, providing a cleaner, edgier look, while a walnut coffee-bar armoire and chevron-patterned white oak flooring reintroduced turn-of-the-century flair, recalling a historical practice of special floor treatments in specific rooms. The floor coverings played a crucial role in anchoring the decor of each room. Brandi explained that they started with the rug in each room and built the design from there. For instance, the dining room's modern floral rug influenced the choice of silk shantung wallcovering, a branch-like brass chandelier, and clear Lucite chairs. In the living room, a neutral rug set the tone for gray crushed-velvet sofas, a marble-topped coffee table, and a ring-shaped crystal chandelier. The foyer featured a custom stair runner with a cherry-blossom pattern, complementing a midcentury-style credenza and bold custom artwork. The furnishings selected by Brandi and Scott represent a diverse mixture of styles, primarily transitional but incorporating midcentury, contemporary, and bohemian pieces, which Brandi noted "came together in the end." Branch attributed the project's success not just to luck, but to the inherent integrity and forgiving nature of century-old homes, which allow for structural repairs and modern updates without losing their original character. The complete transformation ultimately highlighted the enduring strength and beauty of the home's historic foundation. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #StructuralRenovation #ParkHillDenver #VintageModern #ArchitecturalPreservation

Zen Architects undertook a significant renovation of a family home in Melbourne, Australia, which the owners had occupied for over two decades. The original 2,150-square-foot house, characterized by a square, four-rooms-deep, and four-rooms-wide floor plan, suffered from poor natural light penetration and a lack of connection to its garden. The central areas were dark and underutilized, prompting the residents to arrange furniture along the perimeter in an attempt to be closer to the outdoors. The renovation aimed to resolve these issues by introducing a curved glass extension, drawing inspiration from the curvilinear designs of the nearby Mount Eagle Estate, established in 1914 by Marion Mahoney and Walter Burley Griffin. The architectural intervention involved sculpting a curved glass void into the living area, specifically designed to funnel light and nature deep into the home's interior. This new structure was carefully integrated behind the existing heritage facade and within the original footprint, minimizing its impact on the established garden and streetscape. The curved glass element brings the garden closer to all living spaces, enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection. The family room was repositioned at the heart of the home, with the kitchen and dining area wrapping around the northern side of the new glass facade. The kitchen features reeded glass window backsplashes that softly filter light, while rounded edges on the timber joinery and benchtops create an open and inviting atmosphere. A high-level window in the dining area introduces dappled northwest light, partially obscured by tall pine trees outside. Deep eaves around the glass facade provide protection from intense summer sun, yet allow the winter sun to align with the teardrop-shaped extension, offering panoramic views as it descends. On the opposite side of the curving glass, a sunken living room receives abundant northern light, which radiates over the teardrop form. The lowered floor in this area, combined with a consistent ceiling height, creates a distinct sense of coziness and verticality, contrasting with the expansive and horizontal feel of the main living area. This variation in volume offers a fresh perspective of the landscape, with a specific window framing a centuries-old pre-settlement mahogany gum tree. The front section of the house was modernized and repurposed to accommodate an office and the main bedroom, complete with a walk-in robe and en suite. Two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and a laundry area are situated along the southern side, now occupying better-proportioned rooms than in the original layout. The detailing and finishes from the kitchen are consistently applied throughout the wet areas of the house. Externally, a terrace and deck extend around the living areas, integrating the house with the sloping terrain and embedding it within the landscape. The deliberate absence of balustrades facilitates a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments. The material palette for the renovation, including off-white dry-pressed brick and dark stone flooring, was chosen to complement the predominantly masonry and stone residences found in the estate. These robust materials are softened by timber cladding, decking, and ceilings, reflecting the presence of significant gum trees. This material selection contributes to a warm, natural, and cozy interior that emphasizes the vibrant greens of the surrounding garden, drawing attention to the natural setting. #HomeRenovation #MelbourneArchitecture #CurvedGlassExtension #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ModernDesign #NaturalLight #ZenArchitects #GardenIntegration #SustainableDesign

This blog post details the transformation of a three-story brick row house in South Slope, Brooklyn, into a bright and functional single-family home. The owners, a young family, sought to address the common issue of dark interiors found in many brownstones and desired additional living space. Architect Philipp von Dalwig of vonDALWIG Architecture spearheaded the renovation, which involved a significant gut-renovation and the construction of a two-story rear extension. The project began with a comprehensive demolition, removing a garden apartment and nearly all original interior structures, while preserving the main staircase. All mechanical systems were updated. The core of the renovation focused on maximizing natural light and expanding the living area. The new two-story extension features larger window and door openings, complemented by an array of skylights. These design elements effectively channel light into the central areas of the building, eliminating the previously dark ambiance. The front entry of the house remains on the parlor level, leading to a bay-windowed living room at the front. A central library and playroom, equipped with a book-lined niche and built-in seating, caters to the homeowners' two small children. The dining room and kitchen are situated on the upper level of the new duplex extension. A notable design feature is an opening in the floor towards the rear, which creates a double-height, multi-purpose space that connects visually to the garden level below. Pivot doors offer direct access to the garden from this lower level. The garden level also includes a guest room and bath at the front, along with a media room. The upper floors house the family bedrooms, a laundry area, and two new bathrooms. A deck off the master bedroom sits atop the new addition, providing outdoor space. Material selections and specific features are highlighted throughout the article. White engineered oak from LV Wood was used for the flooring. The kitchen, visible from the library/play niche, incorporates appliances primarily from Miele and pendant lights from Apparatus. A powder room is discreetly placed behind flush refrigerator and pantry storage. The kitchen's center island is crafted from Marini Marni, a natural stone from Italy, sourced through ABC Stone. The opening in the floor, which creates the double-height space, is secured with netting similar to that used for soccer goals, set into custom steel rails. Pendant lights from Flos illuminate this area. The exterior of the extension features a subtle geometric pattern applied to the stucco with a trowel, designed to create varying visual effects with the changing sunlight. The double-height space downstairs is described as a "robust functional space" suitable for entertaining and art projects, with its floor and custom elements, including a rectangular sink, made from the same terrazzo-like Italian stone as the kitchen counter. The downstairs media room includes storage beneath a stone-topped seating ledge and a wood-burning fireplace. The project successfully transformed a dark, traditional row house into a bright, spacious, and highly functional modern home, addressing the clients' desire for increased natural light and additional square footage through thoughtful architectural design and material choices. #TownhouseRenovation #SouthSlope #ArchitecturalDesign #RearExtension #NaturalLight #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #BrooklynRealEstate #ResidentialArchitecture

The project involved the renovation of a 1960s home and the addition of a compact, single-story extension in British Columbia, Canada. The property, situated at the end of a suburban street, is characterized by rocky outcrops, mature fir and oak trees, and expansive 180-degree views of an inlet. The clients' vision for a new residence on this sensitive, waterfront site led to a solution focused on minimal ecological impact by retaining and renovating the existing structure, alongside the new addition. Strict waterfront setback regulations played a pivotal role in shaping the design of the addition, which accommodates the primary bedroom and en suite. These regulations necessitated an irregularly shaped building envelope. The design of the new volume features a minimal footprint, carefully touching the terrain with recessed concrete foundation walls to prevent extensive excavation in the marine-protected area. The structure itself is designed to appear as though it is hovering, with its roof dramatically soaring 13 feet above a cantilevered screen wall that extends to a sharp point. Access to the home is orchestrated by a colonnade-lined staircase that directs visitors to the front door. The addition is clad in light-stained cedar, creating a visual contrast with the original house's shed-roof forms and dark finishes, which are intended to echo the granite shoreline. In terms of landscaping, patios and pathways are seamlessly integrated with the site's native vegetation and natural topography. The design incorporates expansive windows, some with concealed frames to blur the distinction between interior and exterior spaces, and others strategically placed to frame specific vistas. These windows are instrumental in capturing the changing light and ocean reflections, thereby animating the interior spaces throughout the day. The project was completed by Splyce Design, with Mdrn Built as the builder, Aspect Engineers handling structural engineering, and Andrew van Egmond responsible for landscape design. Ema Peter provided the photography for the project. #HomeRenovation #CantileveredExtension #WaterfrontProperty #SplyceDesign #BritishColumbiaArchitecture #MidcenturyModern #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

Liddicoat & Goldhill, a London-based architectural firm, designed the Tailored House, a brick and concrete townhouse located in Kensington. The house was built on a site damaged by bombing during the Second World War, completing an existing terrace of Victorian townhouses. The project faced numerous design challenges and restrictions, including a tight budget, the risk of flooding, party wall negotiations, an irregularly shaped plot, and the crucial need to preserve the rights to light for adjacent properties. These constraints significantly shaped the final design of the dwelling. The Tailored House integrates seamlessly with its Victorian neighbors, maintaining the building line, while also incorporating contemporary elements. A key feature of the design is a fully glazed rear section, which plays a pivotal role in allowing ample daylight to penetrate both the new house and the adjacent properties. This innovative glazing solution is paired with a steeply angled roof, specifically designed to maximize natural light access for the homes behind the new structure. The rear section is also strategically cranked outwards, a response to the irregular shape of the plot, ensuring optimal space utilization. The building's exterior features a blend of traditional and modern materials. The street-facing elevation echoes the style of the adjoining terrace through its layered arrangement. Pale brick, chosen for its historical connection to London's brick construction, is used prominently. Contemporary details such as smooth concrete surfaces define the entrance bay and first-floor windows, with the same material extending to window reveals and an angular relief pattern on a cornice, adding modern touches to the facade. The rear elevation, characterized by a sheer brickwork wall, transitions into a screen of metal fins. These fins cleverly conceal glazing, providing both privacy and filtered light to the occupants and their neighbors. Internally, the design emphasizes continuity and natural light. Bronze-framed windows are set into the angled upper part of the end elevation, while glazed doors from the living room open onto a small courtyard. This courtyard incorporates a glass floor, allowing light to filter down to the kitchen and dining area located on the level below. A skylight in the steeply sloped roof illuminates a stairwell situated along the party wall. Additional glazed roof panels further enhance natural light, reaching a small bathroom at the front of the house and a staircase descending to the basement. Material continuity is maintained inside the house with brick walls, mirroring the exterior. These textured surfaces are complemented by wooden flooring and joinery featuring a strong grain, which introduces warmth to the light-filled spaces. The name "The Tailored House" reflects the complexity and bespoke nature of the design, which, despite its intricate fabrication, presents a recognizable, elegant, and simple overall appearance. However, upon closer inspection, the individuality and material richness of the house become apparent, akin to a finely tailored suit. Liddicoat & Goldhill, based in Dalston, east London, have a portfolio that includes other notable projects such as an oak-screened staircase extension to a south London home and a garden cabin with an angular roof. #LondonArchitecture #TownhouseDesign #BrickConstruction #ContemporaryArchitecture #GlazedFacades #ResidentialDesign #UrbanHousing #Kensington #ArchitecturalInnovation

Ailtireacht, a Dublin-based architectural studio, has completed the renovation of an 18th-century Victorian townhouse in Leinster Road, Dublin, converting it back into a single dwelling after it had been subdivided into 11 studio flats. The project involved restoring the original red brick and moulded facade, which contrasted with the grey and brown frontages of neighboring properties. A key addition to the remodelled house is a single-storey extension at the rear, clad and roofed with opaque black glass panels. This extension projects into the back garden, serving as a flexible space that can function as a guest bedroom, playroom, or home office. The black glass cladding of the extension is designed to reflect its surroundings, including elements of the architectural context and the garden setting. From the upper-floor windows of the main house, residents can observe clouds moving across the shiny, flat roof of the extension. The architects noted that the house is situated on a north-south axis, with a north and west-facing rear garden, and the black glass cladding on the external walls and roof of the new extension enlivens this area by reflecting movement from the sky above and from the basement living area. This reflective quality also allows the Victorian architecture of the surroundings and the movement of the sky to be flawlessly mirrored on the roof. Access to the extension is provided through a large pivot door with a dark wood frame, connecting it to the adjoining dining area. This door opens onto a tiled terrace, where strips of transparent glass offer views into the extension. Steps from a gravelled border around the extension lead up to a lawn bordered by tall hedges. Internally, a wide oak staircase links the extension and the dining area on the ground floor to an open-plan living area on the first floor. This staircase acts as a unifying element, integrating the contemporary, informal spaces of the lower ground floor with the retained historical fabric of the upper floors. On the lower floor, a kitchen with a marble countertop is neatly integrated beneath the new staircase, and a larder is strategically placed towards the front of the property. This arrangement provides additional storage, contributing to an uncluttered dining area. The flooring on the lower level features pale timber floorboards laid in a zigzag pattern, while the walls and corniced ceilings are painted white. Storage is discreetly provided by closets concealed behind dark wood panelling. In contrast, the upper floor reverses this material theme, featuring dark wooden floors and pale timber cladding. The living space on this floor is furnished with plush items and an ornate fireplace, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The third storey of the townhouse accommodates three bedrooms. In the master bedroom, a tall, dark wood door, which matches the headboard, opens into a black glass shower stall. Another floor-to-ceiling door, painted white and featuring skirting boards, is concealed within the wall, providing a seamless and integrated design. The studio described this approach as creating a "complementary and legible stitched fabric of old and new," particularly evident in the main bedroom where the concealed doors reveal a black glass-clad shower and en-suite washstand, reflecting the retained historical perimeter of the room. The project successfully blends modern architectural elements with the historic character of the Victorian townhouse, creating a dwelling that is both functional and aesthetically harmonious. #VictorianTownhouse #ResidentialExtension #BlackGlassCladding #DublinArchitecture #HouseRenovation #AiltireachtStudio #ArchitecturalRestoration #FlexibleLivingSpace #InteriorDesign

Designer Rebecca Philipson undertook a significant remodel of a 1990s-built, 5,300-square-foot home in Aurora, Ohio, focusing on transforming the kitchen, great room, and lounge into more open and inviting spaces. The homeowners sought to infuse warmth and an open concept into their residence, a vision Philipson brought to life through a blend of traditional and rustic elements, with distinct French Country influences. Central to the design is the incorporation of Amish hand-hewn ceiling beams and elaborate stonework, which serve as prominent features, particularly in the lounge. This area, designed for relaxation and entertaining, includes a wet bar, a built-in refrigerator, and custom alder cabinetry. The adjacent sunroom houses a pool table, creating a seamless flow for social gatherings and post-dinner interactions. The overall layout was reimagined to foster a sense of togetherness, allowing family and guests to interact comfortably across the connected rooms. Philipson achieved this open concept by strategically removing the wall between the great room and kitchen, then linking the kitchen to the lounge. Archways were introduced to formalize these open transitions. The kitchen underwent the most substantial transformation. Previously walled off, it featured an angled peninsula, an irregularly shaped island, and low-hanging soffits. Philipson replaced these with faux beams to maintain the rustic aesthetic and installed a central island with seating for three. The homeowners' desire for warmth and intricate details was met through design elements such as decorative island legs. Attention to detail extends throughout the kitchen, with intricate touches found in the baseboards, legs, valances, and along the bottom of the island cabinetry. The refrigerator was artfully concealed with cabinet panels and mirrored glass, designed to resemble an armoire rather than an appliance, fulfilling the client's wish for cabinetry that emulated furniture. A built-in coffee maker contributed to a decluttered countertop space. The great room further showcases the sophisticated stonework, with cream-colored stone extending from floor to ceiling around the fireplace. This central feature is flanked by built-in cabinets that mirror the design of the kitchen's concealed refrigerator. Oversized iron hardware on the cabinetry adds a dramatic flair, complementing the multi-tiered iron chandelier, which serves as a focal point. Recessed lighting supplements the chandelier, with all lighting choices made to enhance the room's warm ambiance. The remodel successfully integrated rustic charm with French Country elegance, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment across the main living areas. #HomeRemodel #AuroraHome #FrenchCountryStyle #RusticDesign #KitchenRenovation #GreatRoomDesign #LoungeArea #InteriorDesign #OpenConcept

Architect Aniket Shahane transformed his family's narrow, historic South Slope row house, measuring just over 11 feet wide, into a functional and stylish home by undertaking a significant expansion that involved both excavating downwards and building upwards. The original structure, a 1,000-square-foot, two-story building with a dirt-floor basement, was completely gutted. Shahane, leading his Gowanus-based firm Office of Architecture, aimed to maximize usable space given the house's limited width. The renovation created a new multi-purpose basement level, which now functions as the primary entry point, a laundry room, and occasional guest quarters. This strategic design allows the parlor floor to remain dedicated solely to living. The top of the house was extended to include a new master bedroom suite. The intermediate floors were reconfigured to feature an open-plan parlor with living, dining, and kitchen areas, and two bedrooms with a new bathroom on the third floor. A key design decision was relocating the staircase to the opposite wall from its original position. This move capitalized on an existing jog in the side wall, enabling the introduction of new windows. This structural change significantly improved natural light penetration into the dining area and the second-floor bathroom, addressing a common challenge in narrow urban homes. Shahane employed a palette of practical, understated materials. Unfinished steel, character-grade walnut, and ceramic tiles were used throughout the home, with elements like Carrara marble countertops in the kitchen adding touches of refinement. Montestbuild, Inc. served as the general contractor for the project. The exterior brick facade received a matte black paint finish, and new steel-framed windows were installed by Brombal. The design shifted the primary entry to the excavated basement level, allowing the original parlor-level door to be used infrequently, preserving the main living space from daily urban grit. The transformed basement is described as the "hardest-working space," designed to manage daily clutter with integrated storage, a full laundry area, utility sink, and a new powder room. Exposed ceiling beams contribute to a sense of spaciousness. The staircase connecting the levels features character-grade walnut from Sawkill Lumber and a minimalist steel railing. On the parlor floor, a wood-burning stove from Morsø efficiently heats the two main levels. The dining area benefits from the newly added windows, while a custom shelving unit by millworker Matthew Gribbon provides organized storage. The kitchen features IKEA cabinetry enhanced with Carrara marble, and high-end appliances from Liebherr, Wolf, and Bosch. The open risers of the new steel staircase maintain visual connectivity throughout the narrow home. The second-floor bathroom is equipped with double sinks from Alape, Dornbracht faucets, and striking black and white tiles from Jeffrey Court. Due to setback requirements, the master suite on the new top floor is compact, accommodating a full bed, nightstands, and a closet. This constraint was leveraged to create two roof terraces on either side of the room. The master bath on this level features simple ceramic tiles. The exterior of the rooftop addition is clad in charred knotty cedar, and newly enlarged back wall openings are fitted with Brombal door and windows, showcasing a thoughtful blend of functional design and material choices for a growing family in a challenging space. #SouthSlope #HouseRenovation #NarrowHouse #UrbanLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SpaceMaximization #BrooklynRealEstate #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome

Branch Studio Architects, an Australian practice, designed an addition to an existing 1990s family home, titled 'A Pavilion Between Trees.' The addition was created to accommodate a new master en-suite for the clients. Unlike the existing home's architectural style, the new pavilion was conceived to interact intimately with its natural surroundings, specifically the numerous trees on the site. The design prioritized preserving existing trees, integrating them as focal points and functional elements within the new spaces. The structure itself is a parallelogram-shaped building organized into three distinct zones, each offering a unique sequential experience intended to mark the beginning and end of each day. Access to the addition is through a singular hallway from the original home, leading into the new programmatic elements. The floor levels are subtly raised using platforms to differentiate the functions of each zone. The lowest level houses the master bathroom, where the hallway divides the space into an indoor/outdoor shower and tub on one side, and vanities and a water closet on the other. Full-height glass walls and an external courtyard connect the bathing area to the outdoor gardens, with a steel mesh providing necessary privacy. The next level up features separate 'his and hers' closet areas. The woman's closet, located on the south side, incorporates a glass wall that opens to an open courtyard centered around one of the existing trees, showcasing how the structure is built around the natural vegetation. A continuous element transitions from a bench to a sideboard and then into a dresser, strategically angled to draw attention to the exterior views. In contrast, the man's wardrobe on the north side features a smaller clerestory window, directing views towards the tree canopies, which also naturally filter light into the interior. A protruding window in this area provides a seating space elevated above the landscape. The procession culminates in the bedroom, situated at the highest point of the addition, overlooking the surrounding gardens. This room is encased by full-height glass walls on two-thirds of its perimeter, offering expansive external views. The lighting scheme in the bedroom is designed to create a specific ambiance, using indirect lighting to complement natural light throughout the day, aligning with the architects' intention for this space to influence the waking and sleeping experiences of the occupants. The material palette was carefully selected to harmonize with the site's natural characteristics, featuring raw and exposed elements to evoke comfort and tranquility. The exterior boasts charcoal rammed earth, glass, and steel, chosen for their ability to reflect the surroundings and age gracefully. Internally, the same palette is used, augmented by stained plywood soffits and timber fixtures to introduce warmth. Detailed connection points and joinery elevate the raw materials, with each edge meticulously crafted to achieve an eloquent and refined design. The project encompasses a total area of 85 square meters, with construction managed by Martin Builders and structural engineering by WSP Consulting Engineers. The design successfully integrates modern living spaces with the natural environment, creating a serene and thoughtfully crafted extension. #Architecture #HomeExtension #ResidentialDesign #PavilionDesign #BranchStudioArchitects #SustainableDesign #NatureIntegration #MelbourneArchitecture #MasterEnSuite