While the chance to snap up a childhood home was irresistible for our client, the property needed significant updates to accommodate a contemporary lifestyle and regular international visitors.

The classic mid-century home’s solid structure and layout underpinned a thoughtful yet dramatic renovation and extension that ensured traces of the existing façade and other mid-century elements remained recognisable.

Unconventionally, our design strategy extended the front of the house. This expanded the garage and minimised disruption to the neighbour’s amenities, while maintaining the sweeping raked ceilings of the house’s central section.

The façade now features a rectangular garage with concealed doors that seamlessly blends with the new front’s geometric lines. The original brickwork has white bagged finish for a cohesive, evolved aesthetic.

Inside, the home is divided into zones. The central hub continues to house living, dining and games rooms, with the kitchen, pantry, meals area, laundry and study at the rear. A tranquil adult retreat occupies the existing upper rear level, with the children’s bedrooms and bathroom towards the front of the first floor and the guest bedrooms and bathrooms below.

The design of the first floor addition takes care to echo the home’s original raked ceilings, bringing a sense of spaciousness.

Outside, preserved trees ensure the landscape design is at home in the street context. Shaded outdoor spaces feature typical mid-century materials like bluestone crazy paving and harmoniously connect to the indoor living spaces.

By carefully balancing nostalgic touches with modern design and functionality and sustainable initiatives, we have created a timeless home that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.