Bayside House

by Matyas Architects

From the Architect

The brief for our Bayside house was to provide a spacious, casual and relaxing low-maintenance home for a busy, professional couple with very young children. The residence needed to accommodate the needs of the growing family, whilst engaging directly with outdoor spaces. Central to this was the retention of the principal rooms of the original Victorian-style house. Tight site constraints and strict heritage controls presented a challenge and informed the layout and built form of the building.

The site is located in a vibrant and diverse inner-city suburb of Melbourne, a short distance to both the CBD and beach, and within a sensitive designated heritage area where there are strict planning controls to limit visibility of new built forms from the street.

The building additions were carefully considered to minimise impact on the original house, with a central light court clearly defining the transition between the existing period home and the new building form. The treatment of the original period house is respectful and celebrates the original external period features of the house. The new addition is built from boundary to boundary, with car garaging accessed directly from the rear laneway.

The original period home interiors were infused with contemporary detailing, including new custom- designed marble fireplaces, to achieve a seamless transition between the original home and the new addition. Gaining maximum natural light and garden views was an important consideration in the layout of both the living and bedroom zones in the new addition. The design also incorporates clear zones for parents and children. The main family area was designed as a spacious, open-planned garden pavilion, linking directly to the outdoor living spaces. The kitchen is centrally located with views over the family area to the outdoor terrace and kids’ play areas. It is minimalist in style, yet highly practical, functional and user-friendly. The stairway and passages are flooded with natural light through double height glazing and skylights.

Robust, honest materials and finishes were considered necessary to cope with the challenge of young active children. Functional and timeless design was important to promote liveability and an enduring level of comfort. The materials’ palette is simple and consistent throughout the new and old sections of the home. Detailing is minimalist and carefully considered to be understated and exude a sense of calm and quiet luxury. Bluestone and natural cement render externally were paired with oak timber floorboards, light marble, highly textured carpets and gentle tones throughout the interiors; creating warmth and a relaxed family home environment.

Maximising the available garden space was a priority, as was the need to provide a secure and private play area. The retention of a large tree was central to the design outcome for the rear open space. The outdoor spaces were carefully considered and skilfully landscaped to address complex site constraints and privacy issues.

From the Architect

The brief for our Bayside house was to provide a spacious, casual and relaxing low-maintenance home for a busy, professional couple with very young children. The residence needed to accommodate the needs of the growing family, whilst engaging directly with outdoor spaces. Central to this was the retention of the principal rooms of the original Victorian-style house. Tight site constraints and strict heritage controls presented a challenge and informed the layout and built form of the building.

The site is located in a vibrant and diverse inner-city suburb of Melbourne, a short distance to both the CBD and beach, and within a sensitive designated heritage area where there are strict planning controls to limit visibility of new built forms from the street.

The building additions were carefully considered to minimise impact on the original house, with a central light court clearly defining the transition between the existing period home and the new building form. The treatment of the original period house is respectful and celebrates the original external period features of the house. The new addition is built from boundary to boundary, with car garaging accessed directly from the rear laneway.

The original period home interiors were infused with contemporary detailing, including new custom- designed marble fireplaces, to achieve a seamless transition between the original home and the new addition. Gaining maximum natural light and garden views was an important consideration in the layout of both the living and bedroom zones in the new addition. The design also incorporates clear zones for parents and children. The main family area was designed as a spacious, open-planned garden pavilion, linking directly to the outdoor living spaces. The kitchen is centrally located with views over the family area to the outdoor terrace and kids’ play areas. It is minimalist in style, yet highly practical, functional and user-friendly. The stairway and passages are flooded with natural light through double height glazing and skylights.

Robust, honest materials and finishes were considered necessary to cope with the challenge of young active children. Functional and timeless design was important to promote liveability and an enduring level of comfort. The materials’ palette is simple and consistent throughout the new and old sections of the home. Detailing is minimalist and carefully considered to be understated and exude a sense of calm and quiet luxury. Bluestone and natural cement render externally were paired with oak timber floorboards, light marble, highly textured carpets and gentle tones throughout the interiors; creating warmth and a relaxed family home environment.

Maximising the available garden space was a priority, as was the need to provide a secure and private play area. The retention of a large tree was central to the design outcome for the rear open space. The outdoor spaces were carefully considered and skilfully landscaped to address complex site constraints and privacy issues.