Armadale Annex by Eliza Blair Architecture

Armadale Annex by Eliza Blair Architecture is a light-filled extension that gracefully blends old and new, creating a harmonious connection to the outdoors with its sleek, all-white design.

The client’s vision was an inviting space that maximised sunlight and offered panoramic garden views. Eliza Blair Architecture’s response, in collaboration with architectural interior design practice Studio mkn, was a design featuring a modern, all-white palette, emphasising the contrast between the original brick structure and the new extension. This contrast is further highlighted by a linear skylight that floods the living, dining and kitchen areas with natural light.

The pergola acts as a captivating focal point that seamlessly links the garden with the living spaces, enhancing the overall ambience.

A century-old grapevine, integral to the property’s heritage, is incorporated into the steel pergola on the deck, providing summer shade and a connection to the garden. This thoughtful inclusion honours the home’s European roots and adds character to the modern design. The pergola acts as a captivating focal point that seamlessly links the garden with the living spaces, enhancing the overall ambience.

Efficiency and multifunctionality define the layout. The floor plan, inspired by modernist principles, includes free-flowing perimeter spaces around central island elements. The kitchen’s galley space doubles as a mudroom, pantry and laundry, offering garden views at both ends. A cantilevered window seat with a steel frame, upholstered in olive green leather, frames a view of the pool, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. This area creates a cosy nook for relaxation while providing an unobstructed view of the lush surroundings.

A commitment to sustainability is woven throughout Armadale Annex.

A commitment to sustainability is woven throughout Armadale Annex. Retaining the existing building minimises energy use for heating and cooling, while passive solar design techniques, super-insulated walls and ceilings, as well as double-glazed windows enhance efficiency. Rainwater harvesting, repurposed fixtures and a sustainable landscape design conserve resources and promote biodiversity. Solar heating for the pool and thermal mass through concrete floors and brick walls further underscore the home’s eco-friendly practices.

The decision to transform the original garage into a teenage retreat was both practical and economical. This renovated space provides a private area for the client’s children while maintaining the property’s overall harmony and continuity. Thoughtful design elements, including custom joinery and finishes by Studio mkn, ensure the space remains cohesive and inviting, optimising the use of the existing footprint.

Eliza Blair Architecture’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design.

Eliza Blair Architecture’s and Studio mkn’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design. Olive green accents, as seen in the window seat upholstery and the freestanding kitchen wall, create a visual harmony that ties the interior spaces to the verdant garden. High-quality materials and custom-designed elements, such as the multi-functional kitchen island, reflect a dedication to craftsmanship. Bespoke joinery and carefully selected finishes by Studio mkn elevate the space, highlighting the thoughtful integration of form and function.

Armadale Annex by Eliza Blair Architecture seamlessly blends modern design with a renovated Edwardian home. Balancing beauty and efficiency, this project enhances living while respecting its heritage.

Architecture by Eliza Blair Architecture. Interior design by Studio mkn. Build by Macasar Building. Landscape design by Bethany Williamson Landscape Architecture.