A Modest Projection – Elwood House by Studio Martin

Studio Martin’s reimagination of Elwood House is a tasteful addition to the existing residence. The ornate style of the heritage structure is not compromised, rather opened considerately to its surrounds.

A double-fronted Victorian home, Elwood House boasts an impressive brick façade from first glimpse, alternating in pattern and colour. Upon entry, a traditional 1880s elongated hall greets guests, with branching rooms drawing one inward. Further within, a sleek and modern glass, steel-framed door captures the lush garden beyond; this enticing view fits seamlessly into the existing architecture surrounding it, a promising peek at Studio Martin’s minimalistic reimagining.

A double-fronted Victorian home, Elwood House boasts an impressive brick façade from first glimpse, alternating in pattern and colour.

Lauren and Amanda Martin were tasked with reinvigorating the classic bones of this family home for their clients; two new empty-nesters. The couple sought a modest solution that allowed the home to be opened fully to the back garden whilst maintaining privacy within its suburban setting. Although the existing Victorian structure included a study, music lounge, three bedrooms and an ensuite, the later addition to the house provided opportunity for redevelopment without encroaching upon the rear yard.

Studio Martin’s elegant box-form extension, adorned with Blackbutt timber cladding, effortlessly allows the exterior grounds to take command. Upon entering this redefined living and dining space, the full-height sliding doors and large picture windows provide a welcoming transition to the landscape. Simple white joinery and the Muuto Corner Sofa lend the room to easy adaption, whilst a splash of red in the dining chairs breaks the muted palette – a stark contrast to the lush wall of green outside.

Studio Martin’s reimagination of Elwood House is a tasteful addition to the existing residence.

Material plays a vital role in expressing the newfound aesthetic of the extension. Studio Martin makes clever use of the existing footprint in the renewed bathroom by engaging a full-width skylight over the shower and cut-out shelving, seeing limestone grey tiles and a Carrara marble benchtop maintain an ode to peaceful neutrals that define the entire renovation. Timber panels and furniture are injected thoughtfully throughout the new interior as a deliberate and pleasant contrast to the predominantly white palette. The organic elements are eye-catching without becoming over-bearing. This is evident in the subtle kitchen nook; the light wooden bench sitting neatly below the window encourages fluid use of the open plan arrangement, allowing the white of the kitchen cabinetry to feel sharpened by the stark black brick of the exterior.

Elwood House emerges as a contemporary reinvigoration of a heritage residence. With considered appreciation for historic elements, Studio Martin opens the spaces to the surrounds, encouraging a more flexible use of space.