A 1960s Melbourne Home Gets a Summery Extension Inspired by Caravan Tents
Inspired by the form and feel of a caravan tent, an extension turns a dark and introspective residence into a bigger, brighter home that draws in refreshing breezes and garden views.
Named BENT Annexe, this extension sits neatly under the eaves of a 1960s home in the Melbourne suburb of Pascoe Vale. To create a modern and efficient home for a family of four and their two dachshunds, architect Paul Porjazoski of BENT Architecture refined the spacious rooms in the existing house and created a separate living area that's filled with daylight and cooling breezes.
The original main house.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
The addition increased the floor area of the single-level house to 2,228 square feet.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
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The new addition opens the interiors to the garden.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
A courtyard creates visual separation between the main house and the addition.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
"The new living areas hug the outdoors, giving the impression of a garden creeping inside. Brick walls to the east and west protect the open living spaces from leering neighbors to either side, and focus attention back to the garden," says Porjazoski.
Brick paving crosses the threshold, blurring the boundary between inside and out.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
In the new living area, a brick plinth is positioned at just the right height for sitting. It extrudes out into the garden to serve as an outdoor bench.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
To make the addition feel as if it’s part of the garden, BENT Architecture separated it from the main house with a green courtyard. This layout provides plenty of air flow and brings light from the north into the master bedroom.
The dining area looks out to the green backyard.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
Floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the living area create the illusion of a continuous, open space. Concrete floors help with passive cooling.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
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ShopThe addition's modern, open kitchen.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
Different surface materials create textural richness in the kitchen.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
A work counter and breakfast bar.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
When the casement windows are opened, family members can bask in sunlight while reading a book indoors.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
The addition opens to a decked dining area with a retractable shading device that provides sun protection in the summer. A circular garden plunge pool lies a few feet away.
A bathroom with a corner shower.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
A simple bathroom vanity.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
High-level windows bring sunlight from the north deep into the house to warm the concrete floors. Louver windows can be easily opened to allow cool breezes to flow into the home.
Wood floors and walls warm up the interiors.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
A skylight brightens the entryway.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
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ShopLight wood floors and cabinetry give the space a bright, contemporary atmosphere.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
A seat and storage nook along the hallway.
Photo by Tatjana Pitt
"BENT Annexe fulfills a need for additional living space, but it also creates a home that feels like it's a part of the garden, drawing adults, kids, and dogs alike out and into the backyard," says Porjazoski.
Floor plan drawing
BENT Architecture
Related Reading: An Uplifting Melbourne Addition Embodies its Owners’ Sense of Adventure
Project Credits:
Architect of Record, Interior, Lighting, and Landscape Design: BENT Architecture / @bentarchitecture
Builder: Pole-A-Part Design and Construction
Structural and Civil Engineering: Marco Tedesco O’Neil
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