SubscribeSign In
z
Collection by Zach Edelson

A Breezy Modern Addition Opens Up a Historic Melbourne Home

A family with three young sons asked Mitsuori Architects to renovate and expand their venerable Victorian house to accommodate their growing and energetic children.

Since the house is located within a “heritage street” of Melbourne that prohibits radical architectural modifications visible from the street. The addition would be in the house’s rear: two stories of new construction that principally features a large living, dining, and kitchen space that opens to the backyard. This expansive and flexible arrangement accommodates the sons and their friends. The material palette is also rugged and designed to withstand the wear and tear from nature and the young inhabitants over the long term.

View 7 Photos
The large sliding doors are a telescoping design, which means they fit into one another and can therefore maximize the opening to the yard.
The large sliding doors are a telescoping design, which means they fit into one another and can therefore maximize the opening to the yard.
The entire living and dining space features tough polished concrete floors. The architects intentionally contrasted the darker concrete and veneered pantry against the neutral white walls and marble. This color play runs through the renovated areas.
The entire living and dining space features tough polished concrete floors. The architects intentionally contrasted the darker concrete and veneered pantry against the neutral white walls and marble. This color play runs through the renovated areas.
The feature lighting consists of incandescent bulbs encased in clear glass. Its brightness is complemented by spot lighting located along the room’s perimeter.
The feature lighting consists of incandescent bulbs encased in clear glass. Its brightness is complemented by spot lighting located along the room’s perimeter.
This double-height stairwell, just adjacent the kitchen, marks the transition from the historic building to the new renovation. A skylight pulls sunlight from above into the home office below.
This double-height stairwell, just adjacent the kitchen, marks the transition from the historic building to the new renovation. A skylight pulls sunlight from above into the home office below.
Here also hardy materials—the dark oak stairs—contrast with clean white walls.
Here also hardy materials—the dark oak stairs—contrast with clean white walls.
The newly-renovated master bath features white brass fixtures. A small enclosed garden brings natural light into the bath while maintaining privacy.
The newly-renovated master bath features white brass fixtures. A small enclosed garden brings natural light into the bath while maintaining privacy.