NORTH MELBOURNE TERRACE​

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STATUS

Completed

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LOCATION

North Melbourne, VIC

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TRADITIONAL LAND OWNERS

Wurundjeri People

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This contemporary addition to a modest inner-city worker’s cottage in North Melbourne originally constructed in the 1880’s on a tight site of 100sqm creates a compact but highly functional family home designed to let the outside into the previously cold, dark and internalised home.

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Despite the tight site area, the footprint of the existing dwelling was reduced to maximise the scale and usability of the outdoor space which borrows additional scale from the adjoining bluestone laneway.

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Paying respect to the existing dwelling and context, the two storey extension is concealed behind the original roof and is not visible from the street. The upper storey of the extension is expressed as a continuation of the existing roof form and is lined in dark metal cladding.

 

Large operable glazing connects the living zones to the rear courtyard, increasing the perceived scale of the internal spaces. Natural materials such as dolomite stone and plywood provide warmth and comfort, while carefully located smoke grey mirrored surfaces increase the perceived scale of the internal spaces. An open staircase connects the two floors while providing additional lighting the living spaces. Brick walls of the original home were painstakingly uncovered from beneath plaster to display the handywork of the original craftsman who constructed the home almost 140 years ago.

 

Realised on a modest budget, this project demonstrates the opportunity to provide new life to the many compact workers cottages throughout inner city Melbourne while respecting the heritage of the original dwellings.