Millswood House

Integrating a new extension into a heritage building is a complex design challenge. It requires careful consideration of whether to reflect the building’s historical character and texture through complementary materials, or to introduce a contemporary contrast through modern design elements. For Millswood House, Adelaide custom home builder Urban Habitats chose a subtle marriage of both, harmonising old with new in a light-flooded space. White Out Form and structure are key to the success of the new kitchen, which keeps its palette pared-back in tones of pure and off-white. Exceptions to the monotone scheme are few – in the sconces which recall Art Deco vibes, and in the Helsinki Cabinet Pulls in Signature Brass, their industrial aesthetic reminding us that this as functional an area as it is a beautiful one. Although small, the cabinet pulls’ dark finish helps to highlight the shadowy, arched glass door which leads into the original part of the building, and their brass material, so often associated with heritage, tells us that this may be part of a new addition to an old property, but it seeks to synchronise the two, rather than separate them entirely. Small moments; big impact. Heart of Glass Glass plays a major role in Millswood House, opening up to and linking the spaces. The new extension, which harks back to twentieth century Modernism with its expansive use of glass and flat roof construction, boasts numerous entryways into the property, creating a seamless connection between indoors and out. The door handles needed to be minimal enough to not interrupt the glassy façade, but beautiful enough to retain the high spec of the build. The Berlin Levers with Oval Backplates in Signature Brass offer a clever twist given their design is inspired by the Bauhaus, which was both aligned to and influenced by the Modernist movement. A Design Microcosm The contrast of curve and rectangular form of the Berlin Levers directly reflects the dominant forms in Millswood House. The dining room features a round table flanked by curvaceous mid-century-style chairs and a lampshade which resembles the opening petals of a flower. These organic, flowing forms are set against a backdrop of the linear, long-pane glass doors, their handles quietly summarising the overall aesthetic with discreet elegance.