Caulfield House 2

This renovation transformed an awkwardly shaped home into a functional and welcoming space for a growing family. The brief focused on improving kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities, while creating a stronger connection to the backyard. Due to site constraints—including flooding overlays and off-street parking requirements—a simple rear extension wasn’t possible.

Instead, the design removed the poorly planned rear corner of the house, leaving an L-shaped footprint. New spaces were thoughtfully added: a master ensuite, a reworked family bathroom, an extra bedroom, laundry, and a gallery area. The kitchen and main living zone were placed at the heart of the home, opening out to the garden with a deck, sunshade, and large sliding doors.

A standout feature is a window seat in the old back bedroom, now overlooking the landscaped garden with a built-in BBQ and dining terrace. A distinctive ribbon wall, clad in Core-ten steel and broken by glass slots and a new door, unifies the new works. Natural materials—polished concrete, stone benchtops, and timber cabinetry—add warmth and texture. The result is a carefully tailored, light-filled home that supports family life and celebrates the garden connection.

Photography: Paul West photography