Renovation and addition creates open, airy living zone at back of home

A traditional frontage with a tile roof and stained glass windows gives way to spacious, light-filled new entertaining spaces at the rear

Interfering with existing architectural elements – such as architecture, backyard, facade, home, house, wimming pool, villa, window, white, indoor/outdoor flow, LSA Architects — Interfering with existing architectural elements – such as a classic tile roof – can be expensive so the architects for this home renovation and extension instead designed a pop-up roof for the new section to simply attach to the existing tile roof. While the clerestory windows ensure ample sunlight, the contemporary roof overhang brings a degree of shade to the tall, open-plan interiors. The concept of the wooden box insertion inside is continued outside, with niches cut out for sheltered seating and the barbecue.

A picture of old-world dignity at the front, architecture, building, home, house, mansion, residential area, villa, LSA Architects, Renovation, swimming pool, indoor outdoor flow

The existing part of this home has all house, home, floor, flooring, interior design, LSA Architects

Generous clerestory windows and floor-to-ceiling stacker doors ensure architecture, house, interior design, living room, stacker doors, LSA Architects, timber floors

This view is from the existing part of home appliancfireplace, floor, flooring, timber, furniture, hearth, living room, family room, LSA Architects

On this extensive renovation, the palette of natural timber floor, wooden, furniture, home, interior design, living room, table, window, window covering, timber floor, LSA Architects

In this renovation, steps from the existing living interior design, living room, timber floor, furniture, furnishings, LSA Architects

Stepping into the past – ornate cabinetry detailing architecture, timber floor, flooring, hearth, home, interior design, living room, furniture, LSA Architects

Clerestory windows flood light into this high-ceilinged addition architecture, timber floor, home, house, interior design, living room, white, LSA Architects

Project architect Linda Simons of LSA Architects created architecture, bathroom, tiled floor, home, bathroom design, plumbing fixture, tap, marble, freestanding bath, LSA Architects

When the doors are shut on this wood-clad architecture, floor, flooring, dining furniture, house, interior design, laminate flooring, living room, table, wall, wood, wood flooring, LSA Architects

When the doors are shut on this wood-clad architecture, floor, flooring, furniture, house, interior design, living room, table, wood flooring, gray

Box office draw – part of a wider timber floor, flooring, furniture, office, LSA Architects

It’s hard to improve on the elegant, gracefullines of a traditional house facade. On the other hand, you can’t beat the relaxed functionality of modern, light-filled living spaces – this newly renovated home enjoys the best of both worlds.

Unseen from the street, the comprehensive rear renovation was undertaken by project architect Linda Simons of LSA Architects.

“The homeowners are from large families and wanted to be able to entertain all year round,” says Simons. “Previously, the back of the home consisted of smaller, enclosed rooms and just a small deck that felt disconnected from the rear garden, a couple of metres below.”

Simons says the homeowners’ brief was to retain the classic looks at the front and introduce a sprawling family-kitchen-entertainment space at the back. The L-shaped, open-plan spaces were to wrap around a reworked outdoor living space with a new swimming pool, al fresco dining and a barbecue.

When connecting a modern addition to an older home, a straight contrast often works best, and such was the case here. The pop-up roof on the new section of the home connects directly to the gabled tile roof of the original home.

Interfering with existing architectural elements – such as architecture, building, home, house, mansion, residential area, villa, LSA Architects, Renovation, swimming pool, indoor outdoor flow — Interfering with existing architectural elements – such as a classic tile roof – can be expensive so the architects for this home renovation and extension instead designed a pop-up roof for the new section to simply attach to the existing tile roof. While the clerestory windows ensure ample sunlight, the contemporary roof overhang brings a degree of shade to the tall, open-plan interiors.

And similarly, there’s a clear line between old and new on the interior. Stepping through from the existing living room to the new family room, ornate ceilings, skirting boards and stained glass windows give way to clean, crisp lines and floor-to-ceiling glass sliders.

“Natural wood floors and pristine white walls run through both areas, creating a visual connection between old and new,” says Simons. “The addition also includes steps that accommodate the property’s sloping site without need for a drop from deck to backyard.”

The renovation contains three key living spaces – the family room, dining area and an entertainer’s kitchen. However, the need to maximise space, access and functionality for some secondary spaces led the architect to some clever design solutions for these areas.

“Part of the brief was to create a workspace for a home business that could be hidden from sight if required, while still feeling part of the new open-plan living volume."

“In response, we designed an understated wood-clad elevated box-like office insertion with retractable doors. The office can be closed off when the homeowner needs to concentrate or be opened up as part of the wider space.”

And a little like a giant matching bookend, another cubed, wood-clad insertion lies on the other side of the kitchen – again, this box’s simple lines belie its multipurpose functionality.

While packing a punch in terms of functionality countertop, timber floor, flooring, interior design, kitchen, laminate flooring, tile, wood flooring, black, LSA Architects — **While packing a punch in terms of functionality and storage, this designer kitchen presents simple, veined marble forms to the onlooker.**

“The strategic placement of this two-way bathroom-powder room allows it to be accessed from both outdoors or the kitchen – so it serves as a powder room and a pool bathroom, avoiding need for wet footprints through the home.”

A walk-in pantry that links straight to the kitchen is tucked in at the side of this insertion.

“And while the two box-like forms recede visually, the entertainer’s kitchen between them draws the eye from most areas,” says Simons.

The kitchen deftly balances functionality and drama. The room-high wall cabinetry holds a wealth of storage but, blending in with the wider colour palette, it also recedes from sight. Out front, the chunky dark granite island is dramatically contrasted with a waterfall side counter in a beautifully veined white marble. The latter provides for casual breakfast seating.

A new main bathroom reflecting a boutique hotel-style feel and an upmarket, contemporary master ensuite were also part of the project.