MikeLiveira's Space: Refurbishment In Melbourne / Marc Dixon

Refurbishment In Melbourne / Marc Dixon:

Architect: Marc Dixon

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Project Team: Rosanna Ceravolo – Pablo Byass – Adrian Rivalland Builder – Canterbury

Builders Engineer: Shane Ford Contracting P/L

Photographs: Kevin Hui, Adrian Rivalland

This 2 bedroom extension to a 1930′s Residence in Melbourne’s east is centered around an external courtyard deck which provides a dynamic link between the house and a detached studio beyond. A clerestorey tower at one end and a two storey component at the other create a bookend effect providing a sense of enclosure to the outdoor. The bookend towers, visible from the front of the existing house, landmark the new work reflecting the changing needs of its users.

“Bring the toilet in and move the kitchen out”: The original brief from the client provided an opportunity to explore the courtyard typology where a new Kitchen, Dining, Laundry and Bathrooms have been provided as part of the upgrade.

Alterations and Additions are limited to the rear of the house leaving the main body of the existing house completely intact. Local Council uphold Heritage considerations for neighbourhood character. The new work has been intentionally designed to contrast the existing residence. A low transition element provides a link between the old and new construction. The higher additions at the rear are set well back from the original construction to minimize any overshadowing. Opportunity to explore the use and application of colour and texture gives each user a theme with a linking pattern where the ceramic tile format is based on the size of the original wet areas.