Elwood House

by STAR Architecture

An upgrade of an original heritage Californian bungalow in Elwood.

Elwood House sits within a tree-lined streetscaped street of predominantly Californian bungalows with red brick façades and terracotta tiled roofs.

Prior to renovation, Elwood House was a tired, 100-year-old house in poor condition, but with its architectural bones still intact.

The client, who valued the history and style of the building, and surrounding area, wanted to invest in its retention and restoration. Details such as tuckpointing of façade brickwork, new cobbled bluestone driveway, reinstated timber fence and formal geometric front garden; which was designed by Lachie Anderson Landscapes, has also helped to strengthen the heritage fabric of the street.

The demolition of the cramped rear section of the house allowed for a new extension to open-up and take better advantage of the north-facing aspect back-garden.

The new ground floor addition housing kitchen and living space is juxtaposed with the original house as a streamlined box with floor-to-ceiling glazing, aluminium doors and windows, limestone tiled floor and marble detailing.

The transparent box soaks up the natural northern and western light and utilises reflection from the existing pool to further bounce light around the internal space.

It is a bright, spacious centre for gathering, sharing and enjoying the connection to the garden, barbeque and pool. The junction between old and new is distinct but fluid. A central spinal hallway links the two halves of the building with walls extending from front to back in a continuous line, creating a long, framed vista.

The new first floor addition housing the children’s bedrooms distinguishes itself from the more transparent ground floor as a solid monolithic box.

Although solid, the off-white rough-cast rendered box seems to float above the building below and to rise and disappear into the sky. It is offset from and overhanging the ground floor envelope, providing shading below and moderating the bulk of the overall mass.

Spotted gum elements feature throughout the building uniting the two different levels. On the ground floor, new windows are framed with timber, referencing the formal heritage detailing elsewhere.

Timber screens are used on the façade of the new extension, softening the robust box against the heritage façade, and interior finishes and joinery were designed with Fiona Lynch.

The selection of tactile materials, lustrous finishes, rich colours and sleek detailing complement the architectural forms and add another layer of design integrity to the house.

The clients’ extensive art collection was accommodated with spaces designed to best present the range of work, further enhancing the building’s character.

Elwood House provides the multi-dimensionality and flexibility needed for a modern family which is reflected in a range of architectural styles and materials from different eras that have been successfully integrated as an elegant, contemporary home.

Photography by Peter Bennetts and STAR Architecture.

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