A Harmonious Reinvigoration – Point Lonsdale House by Solomon Troup Architects

Built to last, traditional 1980s Australian brown brick project homes were a practical and ideal setting for growing families. Today, they are an excellent foundation for a modern-day renovation, which is just what the owners of Point Lonsdale House sought to do after their children left home. Solomon Troup Architects has thoughtfully reinvigorated Point Lonsdale House into a home that is simultaneously elevated yet grounded, fit to accompany the owners in their next stage of adult life.

The brief involved the construction of a new lean-to addition, which contained a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The bedroom – patterned with wood lining and lit by an airy Jaime Hayon paper lamp – was designed with the well-manicured garden in mind. The humble lean-to is nestled under the existing house’s fascia and is accessible via an existing window opening, making it a natural yet distinct extension of the original structure. The extension’s airy quality is echoed in the ensuite and is facilitated by two windows that span the width of the space, illuminating the soft limestone countertops and white marble terrazzo tiles.

Thoughtful design choices honour both the homeowners’ wishes and align the structure with the surrounding landscape.

In addition to constructing the new wing, Solomon Troup Architects also redesigned the existing living, kitchen and dining areas. The hero feature of the new common spaces is the deep forest green palette that wraps the interior via the kitchen cabinetry and living room wall lining, cleverly disguising an original bedroom wing. The decision to use the same patterned timber lining, tiles and countertops in both the addition and in the reinvigorated open plan area helps to create a visual consistency for the newer elements, clearly distinguishable from the original design.

Thoughtful design choices honour both the homeowners’ wishes and align the structure with the surrounding landscape. In the new common area, the introduction of double sliding glazed doors not only better connects the structure to the garden, but also allows cross ventilation to cool the interior during hot days. The new wing, which faces due west, is entirely clad in a spotted gum rain screen, which helps to absorb the heat from the western sun. Solomon Troup Architects also paid close attention to reducing the amount of waste created during the demolition process, repurposing parts of the existing building fabric instead of tearing them down and starting anew.

Solomon Troup Architects has thoughtfully reinvigorated Point Lonsdale House into a home that is simultaneously elevated yet grounded, fit to accompany the owners in their next stage of adult life.

With modest ingenuity, Point Lonsdale House exhibits an easy harmony with the outdoors. Solomon Troup Architects has transformed the existing structure into a refreshing, modern home with considered compatibility for the owners in their new stage of life.