Architect: EME Design

Location: The traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people (Northcote, VIC)

Stylist: Belle Hemming

EME were engaged to renovate and extend a tired classic for a family of five. Dark and pokey, the existing home had layers of makeshift renovations that stifled the majestic heritage charm.

Whist the home sits on a large block, the awkward shape of the land required careful consideration. EME’s deep analysis of the site, adjoining structures, mature landscape and seasonable sun patterns formed the foundation for the design.

The family were keen to optimise the garden spaces with connection to multiple living zones.  Being sports mad, a cricket and football zone needed to be integrated for the two sons and dad.  On the flip side, contemplative spaces immersed in lush garden were also essential. A productive garden and a pool also were non-negotiable.

All these elements required consideration from day one of the concept design, to ensure the architectural intervention created synergies with the landscape zones. Seasonal solar access was considered for both the home and the landscape. The footprint and roof form were finessed to ensure that southern landscapes didn’t end up devoid of winter sun. New sun fill pockets were created for each aspect.

A new northern outdoor deck directly of the kitchen dining provides a multifunctional zone for eating, relaxing or simply watching the kids play cricket. The kitchen (the hub) is connected in all directions. 

It was important to the client that the extension was respectful to the original heritage architecture. A pallet of limestone and vertical shiplap timber was chosen for the extension, and the old home was reimagined in a hue charcoal.  The new architecture calmly celebrates the natural hues and textures inherit in the materials.

One of the special requests of the client was to have well crafted and considered joinery.  EME developed custom profiles for the kitchen, bedroom, and study.  Featured Blackbutt veneer was coupled with solid timber profiles finishes in a natural oil.

Also of note is that the existing home was rated at less than 1 star, and the new home is 6 star – no easy feet given it is very hard to improve a double brick heritage home. This is mostly due to the impossibility of retrofitting insulation in the cavity. 26K litres of rainwater tanks were also added.

The impact of the home’s operations was greatly reduced by using heat pumps for the hot water and pool heating, combined with PV’s on the roof.  It is mostly electric, with the exceptions of the hydronic heating (natural gas).