Preston House by Lisa Breeze Architect

Function and whimsy define this reprisal of a Preston home by Lisa Breeze Architect, which has been expanded to accommodate a family’s evolving needs.

Initially appearing to be a simple reinterpretation of a family home, Preston House slowly reveals subtle details inserted by Breeze, which allows it to remain sympathetic to its heritage while bringing it in line with her clients’ contemporary needs. When the clients approached Breeze, they had lived in the home for a few years. But to cater to their two young children and with a desire for more space, they wanted to expand and renovate to include bedrooms for the children, a guestroom and space to work from home. They also wanted the new design to feature an open-plan layout with a stronger connection to the garden. Breeze’s solution was to add an extension at the back of the house and reimagine the older front zone.

Initially appearing to be a simple reinterpretation of a family home, Preston House slowly reveals subtle details inserted by Breeze, which allows it to remain sympathetic to its heritage while bringing it in line with her clients’ contemporary needs.

Breeze began by considering the home’s facade. The eye-catching swirling columns that adorn the veranda encouraged her to consider how to best respect the simple brick-and-render heritage of this and other homes in Preston. To that end, she referenced this original brickwork in the extension, using slim cream bricks with a grey striped fibre cement cladding to emphasise the design.

The bedrooms are situated in the original part of the home and Breeze focused on retaining their period features, including the decorative cornices and moulded ceilings. But she also reinvigorated these spaces; each bedroom has its own colour palette that swathes walls, doors and the custom joinery – including built-in desks and storage – that frames the door of each room. The main bedroom is pale green, a colour scheme continued in the square tiles of the ensuite, while one of the children’s bedrooms is a slightly darker green and the other a very light pink. Dark blue envelops the guest bedroom.

Striking salmon-toned joinery and timber flooring in the kitchen act as a backdrop to a richly seamed dolomite stone splashback.

A neutrally toned corridor acts as a transition zone between the old and new wings of the house. The light-drenched extension comprises living spaces, as well as the all-white children’s bathroom – with a large tub and shower designed for enthusiastic splashing – and a study area. In contrast to the more muted bedrooms, this area is defined by brighter tones and lush materials. Striking salmon-toned joinery and timber flooring in the kitchen act as a backdrop to a richly seamed dolomite stone splashback and island bench. A pitched roof and metallic hardware add to the drama of the space.

The clients’ request for a stronger connection to the garden is achieved most effectively in the living area, which boasts a good-sized picture window and doors opening directly into the yard.

The clients’ request for a stronger connection to the garden is achieved most effectively in the living area, which boasts a good-sized picture window and doors opening directly into the yard.

Preston House strikes a balance between establishing joy in a family home while maintaining its functionality, with a timeless design that will accompany its residents for decades to come. From the undulating columns that frame its verandah to the playful use of colour throughout, the home is a lesson in levity and the power of a light touch.

Architecture and interior design by Lisa Breeze Architect. Build by Never Stop Group. Landscape design by Sarah Perry Garden Design.