Located in Yarraville, and owned by a busy local restaurateur couple and their two dogs, Dig Design created a place to call home that blended two cultures and made the very most of their old workers cottage.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Yarraville

Client:  Adam + Maya

Build:  L O’Grady Constructions

Photography:  Rachel Lewis

Located in the inner west suburb of Yarraville the Adam + Maya had a small dilapidated weatherboard home on a very narrow block.  The existing house was very run down and dark, in contrast they were after a contemporary home that maximised the site and access to natural light.

The form of the additions was generated in order to maximise access to natural light.

Courtyards allow for large glazed operable walls bringing light into the narrow site, elegant contemporary courtyard gardens borrow Japanese references without mimicking Japanese style.

A contemporary take on the sawtooth roof form allows for northern sun to every living space.

The home seamlessly combines and compliments two cultures, with the creation of a contemporary Australian home with subtle Japanese references.

It simultaneously challenges the form of a traditional inner western suburb weatherboard cottage and the idea of the Japanese courtyard house.

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Distinctly Australian materials of spotted gum cladding, blackbutt floors, bluestone paving and copper features have been used in conjunction with an interior palette referencing Japanese design featuring black, oak, concrete and marble to perfectly blend two cultures.

The creation of nooks throughout the house provide areas of solace within communal spaces.

Adam + Maya’s home proves that big is not always best, that considered compact design has a place in the modern Australian home.

AWARDED

2016 National Association of Building Designers
Winner
Alterations|Additions Residential Design
$350 to $800K Construction Cost

2016 Building Designers Association of Victoria
Winner
Residential Alterations|Additions
$250 to $500K Construction Cost

2016 Building Designers Association of Victoria
Commendation
Excellence in Use of Timber