Saturn II

by McManus Lew Architects

McManus Lew Architects were briefed by the owners to create a new and improved living space to an existing semi-detached Melbourne home. This new design involves a more social space which creates a stronger connection between the inside and the outside, which was previously missing from the original house design.

This project achieves a number of transformational outcomes with a modest budget. The south facing orientation to the rear garden was countered with a simple new structure containing the kitchen, living and dining areas, popping out beyond the width of the existing house and experiencing two outlooks.

Through providing outlook and egress to the north side, an overlooked extended driveaway becomes a garden space and unformal second entry to the house. To the south main aspect, bi-folding doors open up to a generous deck and garden space. And cross ventilation was easily achieved with a simple design of open space throughout.

The new house design also has a smart laundry and powder room, which compliment the newer social spaces and are connected formally through the use of lime Victorian ash joinery, which wraps around the kitchen an d into service spaces behind.

The existing hemmed-in living room was more appropriately converted into a bedroom, providing a much needed third bedroom for the growing family

A sensitive approach was taken into consideration for the design of this new house, particularly with the lengthening of the dwelling and the associated issue of a lengthened hallway. Inspired punctuating accents of skylights providing a refreshing view to the sky, whilst allowing an abundance of natural light to shine throughout the hallway.

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