Located in Ascot Vale in Victoria on traditional Wurundjeri land, Rosie saw the careful and considered extension to a historic Victorian weatherboard home in Melbourne. The original home was plagued with a range of structural and planning issues, which Eckersley Architects set to undo during this thoughtful two-storey extension.
These series of structural and planning issues that already existed, were impinging on the ability of the homeowners to enjoy their home to the fullest extent. Eckersley Architects and builders Blueprint Construction addressed the home's poorly constructed rear half, lack of natural lighting and the homes significant disconnect from its own backyard during the planning and construction phases of the project. They endeavoured to alleviate these shortcomings and make thoughtful insertions to the weatherboard home that was suited to the lifestyle and aesthetics of the young family living there.
The homeowners sought to live in a home that was tailored to their young family, addressing their immediate needs whilst allowing space and flexibility for future lifestyle shifts. Design considerations aimed at directly addressing the lifestyle of the young family included prioritising thermal efficiency, natural light and increasing the indoor / outdoor connectivity.
The home occupies two floors, with a distinction between the ground floor as family space whilst the top floor prioritises quiet and relaxing zones for the parents. The ground floor prioritises connection between inside and out, with the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area seamlessly blurring into the backyard garden and courtyard spaces. The footprint also accommodates three bedrooms, a study, bathroom and laundry. Upstairs, privacy was a key design consideration, with a master bedroom, second living space and a generous north-facing roof terrace creating space for the parents to enjoy their downtime.
Outdoor spaces are further extended, granting the family more space for play and connection with the site book-ended by a compact yet highly functional storage area. The space features a sunken outdoor entertainment area, promising additional space for family connection, play and memories.
The home adopts a subdued yet timeless material palette, opting for a harmonious blend of neutrals and pops of gentle earthy tones throughout the home. By gently blending contemporary finishes alongside the homes enduring heritage charm, the space feels uplifted, honoured and renewed for its homeowners.
Eckersley Architects has revitalised the homes functionality and refreshed its aesthetic, aiming to not only enhance the family's day-to-day life but construct a home that meshes gently with its community and neighbourhood, ensuring a timeless house that will be enjoyed long into the future.
If you are interested in learning more about Eckersley Architects, you can head to their CO-architecture company profile, where you can read more about their studio, team and other exciting projects like Abbotsford House.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Ascot Vale, Melbourne| Wurundjeri Country
Architecture: Eckersley Architects
Builder: Blueprint Construction
Photographer: Tess Kelly
Completion: 2023
This project article is part of CO-architecture's Residential Month where we showcase the Architects, Designers, Brands, and Stays excelling in Australia in this space. View all of the articles that are part of Residential Month here.
