Think big A pint-sized worker’s cottage gets a big transformation
THE SENSE OF SPACE IN THIS MELBOURNE FAMILY HOME BELIES ITS PINT-SIZED FOOTPRINT
Words KYLIE JACKES Styling BECKIE LITTLER Photography SIMON SHIFF
When Alana and Tristan bought their Victorian worker’s cottage in Melbourne’s inner suburbs at auction five years ago, they had big plans. Keen to break free of the poky constraints of the tiny heritage home on a 145sqm block, they engaged architect Nicholas Byrne to design a completely new look. “We wanted to renovate and extend to create a contemporary home which felt huge,” says Alana. With countless hurdles to overcome, from heritage overlays to height restrictions and structural issues caused by termite damage, the couple forged ahead – and they gave Nicholas complete creative freedom to literally think outside the box. Having designed their forever home, the couple are thrilled with the transformation. “Engaging an architect was the single best thing we did,” enthuses Alana. “What has been achieved on such a small block is really remarkable. We love every bit of it.”
LIVING AREA Tristan, Alana and children Judson, four, and Lottie, two (all pictured), enjoy the laid-back feel of their new lounge room (below). A defining feature of the sunken back section of the house is polished concrete floors, which were chosen for their thermal properties. “I just love the underfloor hydraulic heating,” says Alana. “In winter we don’t need any other heating on and in summer it has a cool feel underfoot.” Opting for family-friendly furniture, Alana says a Jardan sofa withstands the demands of young children, while the Globe West coffee table and Ikea rug add another layer of comfort. >
WHO LIVES HERE? Tristan, director at Kustom Timber Flooring; Alana, creative director of children’s clothing range Goldie + Ace; Judson, four, and Lottie, two. ORIGINAL HOUSE: A 1900s Victorian worker’s cottage with a lean-to at the back which was updated in the 1980s. FAVOURITE PART OF THE HOUSE: “We were initially attracted to the house because of its heritage facade and the sunlight the house gets in the afternoon,” says Alana. “Now, we love its spacious feel.” TIME FRAME: Six-month design period, followed by a six-month council approval process and a year-long build. THE BRIEF: To extend the property and maximise the living space while adhering to the strict heritage overlay. “We almost thought it was impossible, but with a cleverly designed pitched roof and sunken level, our architect nailed it and we had no objections from neighbours,” says Alana. THE WORKS: “Originally, we’d planned to restore the front but the discovery of termite damage meant the entire home needed to be rebuilt which involved reapplying for council permits,” explains Alana. The front facade was replicated in the original heritage style, while the rest of the house took on a contemporary feel with the back transformed to a chic kitchen and living area. An upper level was added to accommodate the couple’s bedroom, ensuite and balcony. MAJOR CHANGES: The home’s floor area went from just 120sqm to 180sqm. Voids, skylights and large glass doors enhance the amount of natural light and overall feeling of space. For the homeowner, “it’s now a functional family home which maximises every square inch”.
KITCHEN “It’s fairly unconventional to step down into a galley kitchen which runs through the centre of the house, but it was the best use of the floor area,” explains Nicholas of the thoroughfare that seamlessly connects the living and dining areas (above). To create the illusion of more space, and also reflect light and views, a smoked bronze mirror forms a spectacular splashback above a luxe Carrara marble benchtop by CDK Stone. To disguise “grubby little handprints” the couple chose an innovative under-bench cabinetry finish. “It’s linoleum attached to wood so it has an extremely matt, almost rubbery finish,” explains Alana of the
BTC Furniture Linoleum in Conifer from Bench Top City. To offset the cabinetry, matt black Rogerseller tapware enhances the chic contemporary feel. >
ENSUITE Although Alana had dreamed of a bathroom with brushed gold tapware and pink terrazzo, she’s now glad that they opted for ‘Street’ in dark grey concrete-look floor tiles from Cerdomus for a more timeless palette (left). In the shower zone, ‘Manual Ocean’ gloss tiles, also from Cerdomus, are laid in a herringbone formation to reference the pattern of the timber flooring in the bedroom (below), while the custom vanity echoes the materials that were used in the kitchen.
WALK-IN ROBE To counteract the black timber veneer cabinetry, a full-length custom mirror (below left) made by the couple’s builder reflects bedroom views and can be back-lit at night. A single brushed brass pendant adds a hint of sheen. For similar, try Bunnings.
space in such
“THE GENEROSITY OF a small HOME TAKES YOU BY SURPRISE” ~ NICHOLAS BYRNE, ARCHITECT
MAIN BEDROOM The upper level is a dedicated space for Alana and Tristan, with the bedroom (below & opposite) opening out to a small balcony at the back of the property. The angles of the pitched roof are accentuated with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors diffused with sheer curtains from AP Shutters & Blinds. The owner’s sense of style shines in the space where the ‘Half Moon’ bedhead from Create Estate sets the scene for the George Street Linen and a stunning woven blanket from Slowdown Studio. The bedsides are upturned terrazzo planters from Fox & Ramona. >
LOTTIE’S ROOM The upside of rebuilding the front of the house was the discovery of false ceilings in the two original bedrooms, which meant their height could be raised two metres. “This also allowed for larger windows which are always a plus,” says Alana, who painted the canvas on the wall in Lottie’s room (below & opposite far right). The canopy from Adairs provides a reading nook in the corner and pairs with a Stokke cot from Kiddie Country. A rug from Temple & Webster serves as a play mat.
MAIN BATHROOM With a consistent palette throughout, the main bathroom (above) features the same tiles and tapware as the ensuite with a single Huron stone basin from Bathroom Warehouse chosen to span the floating vanity. A shower over a Posh ‘Domaine’ inset bath from Reece is ideal for bathing the couple’s young children and suits the room’s petite footprint.
JUDSON’S BEDROOM ‘Jungle Dream’ wallpaper by Aimee Wilder from Just Kids Wallpaper creates a striking backdrop in Judson’s room (above). A handmade wall elephant from Cardboard Hunters adds an element of fun – and keeps with the jungle theme. A bunk from Plyroom doubles as a cubby.