Intuitive Transformation – Blue Larnoo by Brave New Eco

Once divided into two separate residences, the dual-living nature of Blue Larnoo required a floor plan that would unite the spaces for the new owners – one that that would create a sense of openness and connection. Brave New Eco utilises a less-is-more approach, retaining as much of the original home as possible while overlaying a new sense of order throughout.

Blue Larnoo was originally divided to allow for two couples to live alongside one another in the double-fronted, double-storey Edwardian home. The division of the floor plan is strictly internal, with respective sleeping, living, kitchen, bathing and dining spaces. However, the new owners wanted to restore the dwelling to its original, more spacious form. Located in Brunswick West, an inner-city suburb in Melbourne, the residence sits on a substantial site, so enhancing indoor-outdoor connections was key. Brave New Eco focuses on drawing in as much air and natural light as possible into the abode, which, in turn, allows the interior spaces to breathe.

Brave New Eco focuses on drawing in as much air and natural light as possible into the abode, which, in turn, allows the interior spaces to breathe.

“We love the sense of connection to the outdoors,” says owners Maggie and Pete. “The outcome of the project exceeded our expectations, both in terms of function for our family and how much pleasure we derive from living in such a beautiful space. We feel incredibly lucky.” Despite how the residence first presented itself, the owners saw an opportunity to revitalise the existing form and integrate a sense of warmth and personality into it. Emerging as a considered, contemporary home, Blue Larnoo is both timeless and reminiscent of its past.

Through uniting the divided spaces and resolving a complex layout, an improved connection to the northern aspect was established. Rather than opting for an extension, Brave New Eco chose to reconfigure and revitalise the home. The main architectural insertion is a large bay window that links the living area to a spacious outdoor deck. This design not only dissolves indoor-outdoor thresholds, but also captures beautiful garden views. A hidden projector screen in the bay window can also be drawn down to transform the living space into an intimate entertainment area.

Emerging as a considered, contemporary home, Blue Larnoo is both timeless and reminiscent of its past.

Thanks to tailored design decisions by Brave New Eco, Blue Larnoo becomes a functional and active reflection of its owners, enhancing the way they live in and use the spaces within. By opening up the interior and retaining the character of the original home, the architect ensures the dwelling is suitable for contemporary liveability.