Home Projects Housing Innovative Design Transforms Heritage Home into Modern Family Haven
Housing

Innovative Design Transforms Heritage Home into Modern Family Haven

Share
Innovative Design Transforms Heritage Home into Modern Family Haven
Studio mkn + Eliza Blair Architecture
Clifton Hill, Australia
@studiomkn + @elizablairarchitecture
Share

A modern extension, expertly crafted from brick and glass, seamlessly integrates with a traditional weatherboard worker’s cottage in Clifton Hill. Oriented to maximize natural light from the north and embrace views of a bottle brush tree to the south, this design caters to both the unique aspects of the site and the family’s evolving needs. At the rear, a two-level garden studio is strategically positioned, offering a serene, green vista from the tranquil interior spaces.

Key sustainability elements include preserving the original structure, employing passive solar design for enhanced living comfort and efficiency, highly insulated walls and ceilings, high-performance double-glazed windows, effective thermal mass, and solar panels on the roof.

Credit: Clifton Hill Courtyard House / Studio mkn + Eliza Blair Architecture | ArchDaily

The concept behind this architectural endeavor is to blend the charm of a historic home with contemporary design elements, creating a harmonious balance between old and new. The extension is not merely an addition; it’s a thoughtful integration that respects the original structure’s character while introducing modern functionality and aesthetic appeal. This approach ensures the home evolves with the family’s lifestyle, offering spaces that are both intimate and expansive, private and connected. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient features underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that the home is not only beautiful but also responsible and future-proof. The result is a living environment that is deeply rooted in its historical context yet fully equipped to meet the demands of modern family life.

Credit: Clifton Hill Courtyard House / Studio mkn + Eliza Blair Architecture | ArchDaily

The renovation aimed to update the circa 1890s home, adding a master suite with an ensuite and walk-in closet, two additional bedrooms for children, a central bathroom, and laundry facilities. The clients envisioned replacing an outdated 1980s addition with a spacious, light-infused open-plan living area, along with a multifunctional garden studio. This new layout needed to accommodate a family with twin toddlers, a teenager, and visiting international guests, offering flexible space for various needs.

Situated on a long, narrow, south-facing plot, the primary challenge was to introduce ample daylight and sunlight into the rear of the house while meeting all functional requirements. The design also needed to be adaptable for various age groups over time.

Credit: Clifton Hill Courtyard House / Studio mkn + Eliza Blair Architecture | ArchDaily

The clients welcomed the idea of courtyards despite the reduced backyard space, recognizing their value in bringing northern light into the home and providing a visual break in a lengthy, narrow hallway. A deciduous tree in the courtyard serves as a stunning visual centerpiece throughout the seasons, complemented by the texture of an adjacent brick wall. This courtyard arrangement also enables a more defined open-plan living space, with the living room benefiting from dual views of two landscaped areas. The layout thoughtfully considers the needs of both the young children requiring constant supervision and the teenager seeking privacy.

A versatile space facing the courtyard maintains visual connection with the main house, offering potential use as a guest room. The garden studio, complete with an ensuite and mezzanine, is designed for diverse functions, including storage, gym, home office, teenage retreat, and bike storage, effectively responding to the family’s dynamic lifestyle needs.

Credit: Clifton Hill Courtyard House / Studio mkn + Eliza Blair Architecture | ArchDaily
Share
Written by
Elif Ayse Sen

Architect, Author, Content Marketing Specialist.

Leave a comment

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Related Articles
Casas Blanc 59 Residential Complex by Nommo Arquitetos
Housing

Casas Blanc 59 Residential Complex by Nommo Arquitetos

Casas Blanc 59 blends minimalist architectural volumes with lush central gardens, creating...

ApartaBento: Creativity and Identity Transform A Compact Apartment Into Renovation
Housing

ApartaBento: Creativity and Identity Transform A Compact Apartment Into Renovation

ApartaBento, renovated by Hersen Mendes Arquitetura in Brasília, showcases how a small...

Lower Penthouse by Jessica Jaegger: Blends Tropical Design and Sophistication
Housing

Lower Penthouse by Jessica Jaegger: Blends Tropical Design and Sophistication

Designed by Jessica Jaegger, this penthouse at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles...

Earth by the River: A Contemporary Farmhouse Rooted in Landscape
Housing

Earth by the River: A Contemporary Farmhouse Rooted in Landscape

Earth by the River by Luigi Rosselli Architects is a contemporary farmhouse...

Subscribe to Our Updates

Enjoy a daily dose of architectural projects, tips, hacks, free downloadble contents and more.

Copyright © illustrarch. All rights reserved.
Made with ❤️ by illustrarch.com

iA Media's Family of Brands