A North Melbourne heritage redo with a texturally delightful modern extension

Written by

09 April 2024

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4 min read

“We imagined the greenery climbing up through the windows,” says May.
“We imagined the greenery climbing up through the windows,” says May.
Basset & Lobaza Architects’ Canning Street project is at once a skilful architectural feat and a warm, inviting home embrace.
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The striking space seamlessly integrates the old facade with a sleek glass- and concrete-laden open-plan extension.
The brief was to provide separate sections but connect them together in a sleek, meaningful way – all within a five-metre wide site.
The dichotomy of the solid glassy street-level aesthetic with the more refined and sculpted upper level creates balance, privacy and seclusion without losing out on an inclusive living environment.
A space that fosters both autonomy from the adults living their separate lives and connection in joint spaces too.
“[Minimal homes] are actually the most complex projects to design and build, making them look so simple and clean."
The kitchen, dining and living areas combine an interplay of industrial features like polished concrete floors in some areas and warm, hardwood timber flooring in others.
Canning Street is simple yet exquisite in its articulation.
Cool-hued natural stone, exposed agriculture, polished concrete, dark-stained timber, and the clarity of double-glazed glass.