Ellesmere St.

A ‘spaceship’ attached to the rear of a 1970’s house opens up an interior living space.

The tangled and dark spaces of the original 1970s house were gutted, to provide a large, open living area for a growing young family. The shade of a south-facing lot was overcome by raising the roof of the rear addition over the existing tiling, to create high-level windows which provide winter sun and a greater living volume. Subtle shifts in ceiling height suggest room definition without obstructing the space. A simple, light palette of white, timber & dark benchtops creates a clear definition of kitchen forms. Likewise, a simple dark/light scheme gives clarity to the bathroom space. A folded corrugated iron skin drapes over the new volumes, parting to reveal a warm timber-clad alfresco area which welcomes the interior.

Project: AdditionLocation: Ellesmere Street Mount Hawthorn

Builder: Castleprime Construction Pty Ltd; Status: Completed (2014).

“My husband and I worked with Nathan on an extension to our 1970s Mount Hawthorn home. The work transformed our modest brick bungalow into a light-filled, contemporary family home that made the most of the property's northern aspect and delivered us much-needed space for our growing family!”

– Catherine Low