Business in Front, Party in Back
This semi-detached house just outside Melbourne, Australia, recently received a contemporary extension to meet the needs of the owners. Despite planning restraints (which don’t allow two-level buildings), the architects at Jost Architects were able to deliver the clients’ requests.
The Malvern House addition includes a master bedroom with en-suite bath and walk-in closet, second bedroom, office, bathroom, laundry room, kitchen with walk-in pantry, and a spacious open-plan living and dining area. Principal Patrick Jost described it as “business at the front and party at the back.”
“One item that was imperative was the view to the back garden,” Jost said. “The plan is traditional, with rooms accessible from a central corridor leading into the rear dining and living area, where the ceiling rakes up to a substantial height.”
Sliding doors achieve an optimum connection with the wooden deck and internal courtyard. The minimalist design approach is softened by colorful accents and graphic artwork. A variety of finishes and textures also draws attention.
The home’s sustainable features include engineered wood flooring, thermally modified wood siding, zoned hydronic heating, and double-glazed steel windows and sliding doors.