How the Existing Mid-Century Home Inspires This Modern Extension
Despite a poorly designed 1990s extension, this 1960s Mid-Century Modern home had good bones. The original home was based on the ‘Lowline House’, designed by Peter Hooks for Leighton Homes; however, sixty years on, the home was tired and no longer suitable for the growing family.
Studio 101 Architects was engaged by Bryan and Monique to improve the functionality of their home, providing them with lots more storage, a fourth bedroom or study, and a new ensuite and robe for their main bedroom.
“Design-wise, they were keen to retain and continue the existing Mid-Century house forms and materials into the new works.” Peter Woolard, Director of Studio 101 Architects explains. “So we proposed a new extension that spoke to the mid-century principles of simplicity, form and materials.”
The entry to the home has been completely reworked, allowing for the new ensuite, robe, and a large glazed pivot door. What was once the meals area is now the fourth bedroom, and the old kitchen is now a well-sized storage room. The 90s extension was demolished, and the new open-plan kitchen, living room, and dining room connect you directly to the backyard.
The new extension features a dramatic gable ceiling cladded in blackbutt timber, drawing your eyes to the sky and trees beyond. The brick blade columns reference the original brickwork, extending slightly into the interior.
“The material palette was inspired by the existing house and through retaining an honest expression of those materials.” Peter explains.
Blackbutt timber was used throughout, whether it’s for floors and walls or for small details such as joinery edging. The extensive use of the timber provides a natural warmth and tactility to the home.
“For us and more importantly for our clients, it was fundamental to respect the original 1960’s MCM architecture, while also understanding that we needed to design for the needs of family life in the 2020s.” Peter explains. “All of these design elements contributed to a successful home renovation and provided for a family lifestyle transformation while also respectfully offering a contemporary nod to Mid-Century Modern architecture.”
Full article to come.
Mid-Century Modern Extension at Belmont by Studio 101 Architects.
Production, photography and words by Anthony Richardson.
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