© Tatjana Plitt
- Architects: Chan Architecture
- Location: South Melbourne, Australia
- Project Team: Anthony Chan, Meyvin Puspita
- Project Year: 2018
- Photographs: Tatjana Plitt
- Builder: Kleev Homes
- Structural Engineer: Wright Engineering
- Building Surveyor: Wilsmore Nelson Group
© Tatjana Plitt
Text description provided by the architects. This project was a renovation and extension to a single fronted, double storey Victorian terrace house in South Melbourne. The existing house was long and narrow, and consisted of a series of dark, dilapidated rooms planned in a linear configuration. In addition, the site had numerous challenges, with limited access, 100‐year‐old two storey brick walls on both long boundaries and a site that sloped away to the rear.
© Tatjana Plitt
The brief was to create a striking, modern extension with light filled open spaces whilst reconstructing the period house at the front.
Floor Plans
We started by locating all the wet areas – bathrooms and laundries in the centre of the house, with access to internal courtyards which also allowed light into the kitchen and bedrooms via a series of skylights and light shafts. This allowed the main living spaces to open up to the rear, allowing light and natural ventilation through the house.
© Tatjana Plitt
The client also wanted to create a house that had its’ own identity and personality which viewed from the rear courtyard. So we custom‐designed a laser‐cut metal screening device at the rear that makes reference to the period iron lacework at the front of the house. So whilst it is made of metal and has a lace‐like appearance, it also appears very light and provides varying levels of transparency. It also provides privacy to the upstairs bedrooms and creates interesting shadows through the day.
© Tatjana Plitt
Internally, the open stairs connect the three levels up to a large roof deck, which provides additional open space for the clients to enjoy. It also provides a thermal chimney effect to minimise the need for mechanical cooling.
© Tatjana Plitt