When clients in possession of a 1930s, 1,291-square-foot bungalow on a small city lot in Melbourne approached Steffen Welsch Architects, their primary need was to create enough space for their growing family. They also wanted to be able to host guests and family for extended visits. “We added low-cost operation, current and future functionality, evolving privacy needs, and future accessibility to the brief,” said Welsch.

The design plan prioritizes sustainability and flexible interior spaces via the addition of a rammed earth wing that sweeps off the back of the house and curves along the edge of the lot.

“To be sustainable, a building needs to minimize embodied and operational energy over its lifetime,” said Welsch. To that end, the design prioritized passive solar principles through the orientation of the building, the installation of high-performance windows and doors, and the use of rammed earth, which has a low embodied energy, said Welsch.

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Related Reading:

Ingenious New Building Method Replaces Concrete Block with Rammed Earth

A Rammed Earth Home Rises on a Breathtaking Site in New Zealand’s Southern Alps

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Steffen Welsch Architects / @steffenwelscharchitects

Builder: Renovation One

Structural and Civil Engineer: Maurice Farrugia & Associates

Landscape Design: Peachy Green

Lighting and Interior Design: Steffen Welsch Architects

Cabinetry Design and Installation: MTR Cabinets

Rammed Earth: Olnee Rammed Earth

Other Companies: Clearview Sun Control