Passing the Baton – Third Generation House by MRTN Architects

Third Generation House is the latest moulding of a heritage home, having been lovingly cared for by generations prior. MRTN Architects continues a lineage of crafted and generous proportions to remain true to the original materiality and palette.

Third Generation House sits neatly within Abbotsford as an integral and recognisable timber clad family home. Having been passed down for generations, the namesake of the home comes from maintaining this connection of ownership. Whilst the original façade and frontage remains, a welcomed addition to the rear adds a key open living space, allowing occupants to corral together throughout the day and enhancing flow into the landscape. By extruding the overall gabled form of the home outward, MRTN Architects creates a matched internal generosity through a contemporary reinterpretation.

MRTN Architects continues a lineage of crafted and generous proportions to remain true to the original materiality and palette.

Whilst the original and front portion of the home sits formally and with a presence akin to the adjoining neighbours, the rear opens to a more eclectic assortment of typologies. From saw-toothed and industrial buildings to the bluestone access lane that lines the site boundary, these two distinct approaches correspond idyllically to the needs of family life. As a balance of open and closed, active and passive, the old and new align with specific functions throughout the residence. Able to be opened to the northern aspect, large timber sliding doors reveal a flowing connection outward, welcoming natural light and ventilation into and through the home.

Built by Technique Construction Group, Third Generation House extends the use of materiality, ensuring a continuation of the original crafted and handmade elements. Although constructed through a crisp and more refined lens, the use of timber and red brick layers in texture and a sense of movement within the interior, ensuring the larger space at the rear does not dwarf the original and smaller rooms of the home.

Concealed from the street, Third Generation House carefully preserves its existing charm and outer form, whilst cleverly integrating new openness and connection.

Concealed from the street, Third Generation House carefully preserves its existing charm and outer form, whilst cleverly integrating new openness and connection. MRTN Architects draws from an intimate understanding of the site to craft the ideal family home and retain a historical lineage.