Incredible overhaul to an Edwardian home in Australia (One Kindesign)

Elwood Residence is an existing Edwardian home in need of a major overhaul and extension by architecture studio Robert Nichol & Sons, located in Elwood, Victoria, Australia. This stunning contemporary 2,669 square foot (248 square meters) home was completed in 2013, with interior design carried out by designer Dominique Rizzotto.

Description from the architects:

The residence had extremely poor orientation, ventilation and connection to its surroundings. The resolution of these qualities in the extension was to embrace the northern aspect to the rear of the block privileging light, ventilation and the blurred delineation of interior and exterior.

The clients request to handle the transition of new to old with a considered contrast whilst settling the building into its neighbourhood context was the other driving principal of the project.

The aspiration was to create a graphic form that was in opposition to the existing house. The corner block provided an opportunity to handle this tension by having the new edition visible only from the side street whilst the existing frontage remains intact with its existing streetscape.

Materiality is utilised to express the graphic nature of the block forms that configure the rear elevation. A combination of cedar boards, brickwork, aluminium window frames and linear steel screens create the definition of the different forms.

Spatial qualities

Private areas connect to the central corridor in the existing house then transition into the open communal living area to promote family interaction and relaxation. This feeling is created through the open plan light filled space that has a seamless shift from interior to exterior & allows the backyard to become an extension of the living room and kitchen areas. The abundance of natural light and outlook evokes feelings of refuge and prospect that are undeniably relaxing.

The layout of the plan was carefully considered to create a comfortable flexible living arrangement for the family. The issue of addressing the poor orientation and lack of light in the existing property was handled by opening up the back living areas with extensive glazing that admits light, excellent ventilation and provides a connection to the garden.

The considered transition between existing and proposed is helped by a small courtyard that provides an abundance of natural light that floods into the existing, once internal living room.