Playful Reimagining – Preston House II by Olaver Architecture

Relaxed and inviting, Preston House II is a family home that combines original detailing and craft with contemporary openness, therefore retaining the heritage spirit whilst increasing liveability and functionality. Olaver Architecture creates a considered extension that is intentionally imbued with warmth and texture throughout, with nods to the original dwelling’s design but not competing with its existing character.

Located in Preston, a suburb in Melbourne, Preston House II enhances internal connections and blurs indoor-outdoor thresholds. Originally an interwar heritage home, the residence is overlayed with a more contemporary liveability, where the architect binds both old and new elements and focuses on the open, transitional experience between interior spaces. Taking inspiration from the Passivhaus model, the owners wanted to lessen their reliance on external energy sources and instead integrate a level of consciousness into the abode. Olaver Architecture seamlessly weaves the past and present together, setting the family up for the future.

Originally an interwar heritage home, the residence is overlayed with a more contemporary liveability, where the architect binds both old and new elements and focuses on the open, transitional experience between interior spaces.

The atmosphere of the home is shaped by a restrained material palette. Referencing the bespoke detailing in place, such as the steel-framed corner windows, the plan was to introduce a similar artisanal touch to the new addition. The familiarity and warmth brought by natural materials, such as timber, result in spaces that feel inviting and encourage the owners to use them. Catering to the ever-changing needs of family life, the inner volumes enable flexibility and balance opened and closed spaces to align with how each member of the household interacts with the residence.

Within the existing structure, each realm has been reworked to create a continuous flow of movement between spaces. The reworking begins at the front of the house, where a dedicated sanctuary for the adults is carved into the existing floor plan and separated from the main living zones. The existing kitchen becomes the new children’s bedrooms, allowing the extension to house the shared living, dining and kitchen area. Blurring thresholds between inside and out and establishing connections to the outdoors was also key to the new addition, as these connections underpin everyday family living and naturally illuminate the interior.

Referencing the bespoke detailing in place, such as the steel-framed corner windows, the plan was to introduce a similar artisanal touch to the new addition.

Through a muted palette, Preston House II evokes a sense of calm and stillness. Olaver Architecture crafts a dwelling that perfectly captures the idea of home as a place of retreat whilst providing natural connections to the surrounds.