A vision cast in stone for this modern renovation in Cheltenham

Preserving the past; embracing the future

Homeowner Simon Leslie’s vision for the Cheltenham Residence was clear: preserve the charming 1950s cream clinker-brick façade while expanding the home to create a spacious four-bedroom haven with two living areas and a seamless outdoor entertainment area. The challenge lay in striking a balance between retaining the warmth of the vintage frontage and introducing a more industrial, modern feel to the rear.

"When we envisioned the project, we wanted to make it feel like the indoors and outdoors were one big room," says Simon. However, this concept hit a roadblock when the building survey suggested a 50mm drop from the sliding windows onto the poolside pavement in the first metre. This drop would have disrupted the desired seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

To overcome this challenge, Granite Works devised an innovative solution; installing a stone grate along the pool's length as the primary drainage point. A second drain point was created with a cleverly designed stone feature that cantilevers over a hidden drain beneath the aluminium sliding doors. Even the sliding doors themselves were integrated with drainage. This meticulous planning resulted in maintaining a single-level surface from the living room to the outdoor entertainment and pool area.

Weightless effect stone fixtures

Inside the Cheltenham Residence, one can’t help but be struck by the refinement of the stone elements utilised throughout. In both the main bathroom and ensuite, Granite Works installed floating stone basins – weighing over 300kg each. Reinforcing the stud walls and utilising hidden L-shaped brackets allowed these substantial solid stone pieces to be securely and safely incorporated into the bathroom designs.

“Granite Works supplied the floor-to-ceiling tiling and hand-carved basins, all crafted from this stunning Aston grey granite,” says Simon. 

This stone is also featured in the pool area; the flamed finish on the granite poolside paving provides slip resistance while still seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces.

For the kitchen, laundry and butler's pantry, Granite Works supplied the luxury Tundra marble benches. A Tundra marble shelf sits above the stovetop, and more Tundra stone sits atop the television cabinet, further solidifying the cohesion within the home.

A solid result

Walking through Cheltenham Residence is quite an experience. The new extension boasts lofty 4.5-metre-high ceilings that gracefully taper to 2.7m with the addition of a skillion roof. This clever design element floods the living spaces with natural light, creating a sense of calm and wonder within the home.

Simon reflects on this unique atmosphere, "The house has a very warm feel about it. It's a lovely place to be," he says. The expansive glass doors and windows accentuate this warmth and lightness, making it feel like a sanctuary within this bustling city suburb.

The project’s attention to detail extends beyond aesthetics. While in high contrast, the Monument-coloured aluminium cladding still effortlessly blends with the 1950s cream clinker-brick, creating a harmonious integration of classic and modern materials.

“We still get that feeling of awe when stepping out the back onto the stone tiles and taking it all in; we just think ‘wow’,” says Simon.

Granite Works' commitment to craftsmanship and innovation is evident in this Melbourne home’s finishes. The remarkable transformation beautifully marries classic appeal with contemporary refinement, resulting in a home that is not only visually intriguing but also highly functional and efficient. The Cheltenham Residence reflects the vast possibilities of incorporating stone materials inside and out.

Learn more about Granite Works on ArchiPro.