A Sleek Addition Lets a Melbourne Home and Garden Freely Merge
Zen Architects replace a poor-quality extension from the '80s with one that celebrates natural materials and outdoor connection.
When an existing Victorian home sited in the Botanic Gardens precinct of inner Melbourne needed a revamp to better access light and views, Zen Architects had just the solution—a 1,453-square-foot addition. The team envisioned an extension that would "utilize the concepts of living in a garden and gathering under a roof." Scroll ahead to see the fascinating results of what Zen Architects refer to as Project Nymph.
During the renovation, the front facade and 538-square-foot original home, which was built around 1900, was all kept intact.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
At the rear of the property, the team added a two-story extension, which included this open-concept kitchen and dining area, as well as bathrooms, bedrooms, and a lounge area.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
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Now, a catwalk connects the two bedrooms upstairs without impeding the flow of light in the main area. The staircase is composed of structural steel with a painted finish, and features blackbutt treads and handrails.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
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The warm wood provides a stark contrast to the cool, grey interiors.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
Outside, a timber pergola shades the garden and the split-stone slate pavers continue on for a greater sense of connection between inside and out.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
This view shows how the original house relates to the new addition, which was strategically placed to make room for an exterior courtyard.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
In the dining room, a vintage dining set is offset by the painted brick wall of the original house. Lowered ceilings in the eating area provide an intimate setting within the larger space.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
A view of the catwalk leading to the bedroom. Blackbutt ceiling slats relate to the exterior pergola.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
The wall and bedroom door are fashioned from a compressed fiber-cement sheet made by CSR, which is called Barestone.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
In an upstairs bedroom, striking triangular cabinetry is built into the Victorian home's attic.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
Bathroom finishes are an inversion of the darker palette in the main spaces, using a white, reconstituted stone counter atop a laminate cabinet with blackbutt shelves and brass faucets.
Photo: Derek Swalwell
Project Credits:
Architects: Zen Architects / @zenarchitects
Builder: Dome Building Projects
Structural Engineer: Tim Gibney and Associates
Landscape Design: Lucy Williams Architect
Lighting Design: Light Project
Photographer: Derek Swalwell
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