The owners of this 1960s home in Brighton East weren’t interested in demolishing or removing its mid-century sensibilities, but rather taking these to the next level!

They approached Wowowa with an open mind, requesting more space and a renovation that suited the house. Drawing on these desires, and the distinct personalities of the family of six, Wowowa devised a reworking of the original home, alongside an agile new extension.

This extension adopts a simple, linear form that slides against the existing volume to run lengthways down the block. 

‘Our extension aimed to rise to this history and sit alongside it with pride and conviction [and] equal robustness, but also with a warm, teddy bear-coloured hug,’ says Monique Woodward, director of Wowowa.

The focal point of this new structure or ‘colonnade’ is the roof, which takes design cues from the nearby beach to feature cladding and construction methodology akin to a boat with a keel, bow and stern. 

Monique explains, ‘The keel of the boat is expressed down the length of the colonnade like the belly of a whale, and the nautical reference is carried through in whimsical detailing: brass fittings, porthole windows for additional light to wet areas, and the timber decking applied to both ceiling and floor.’

This rear area now serves as the ‘children’s wing’ containing three bedrooms including study spaces and breakout areas.  Meanwhile, the main bedroom lies in the reconfigured front portion of the home, followed by the sitting room, before the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge, that run perpendicular to the extension. Landscaped areas by Amanda Oliver Gardens on either side offer valuable green, outdoor space and views, in addition to the front yard and new pool at the rear. 

While the proportions of the updated home are impressive, it’s the new interior palette that’s the real showstopper. The kitchen is the most playful area of all, with a colour scheme ranging from banana Paddle Pop yellow benches; a chocolatey, fluted timber island base; creamy pastel pink cabinetry; and fizzy terrazzo flooring. 

‘The dessert-inspired colour palette draws in the client’s mid-century furniture, and allows a smiling eye to whimsically dance around the home,’ says Monique. 

Vibrant colour combinations were also applied in the bathrooms and children’s bedrooms, while the main bedroom offers a moment of respite, with its calming tones.

Another fabulous, characterful home, from one of our favourite Melbourne architecture studios!