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Blair Smith Architecture believes a home should bring its owners security, belonging, and connection. This philosophy shaped their renovation of an inner-city Melbourne house for a family of five returning after 16 years abroad.
Having rented their double-fronted, semi-detached Federation house in Richmond while living in London, the owners knew a renovation was needed to restore the home’s modest 30-year-old single-storey addition and make room for their grown family.
‘The previously completed addition had held up well over the decades, but it was much more compact, and because the family had grown up, their needs had changed quite a bit,’ explains architect Blair Smith.
So, the previous addition was replaced with a contemporary, two-level extension, designed around an open staircase within a slender, double-height void.
‘The walk-in robe and en suite are positioned around this void, offering continuous visual connections through the entire length of the site and out to the city skyline,’ Blair says.
‘The new addition makes a delicate connection to the period building, sleeving itself under the retained eave with a linear skylight illuminating the threshold between old and new,’ says Blair.
Cream brick, light-coloured timber, and white steel honour the existing heritage streetscape while introducing a contemporary edge alongside the retained steel awnings, feathered shutters and rebuilt porch.
The reconfigured front of the home now fits three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room.
‘Unusually, this meant that the original feature fireplace is a part of the bathroom,’ Blair explains.
A key part of the owners’ brief was capturing city views from the home’s upper level. In response, Blair designed a secluded retreat featuring a living space and main bedroom, divided by an internal curtain.
‘It’s a space where one can become ensconced, tucked away from the outside world, while also having an incredible view to it,’ he says.
The design also considered the family’s privacy, especially since the rear of the home opens to a street filled with neighbouring garages and fences.
‘An integrated car gate and a brick screen to the rumpus room facilitate passive surveillance, secure ventilation — as well as an opportunity to extend the yard/playscape into the lane to foster community engagement,’ Blair explains.
Shutters also cleverly offer a city outlook while restricting views down to neighbouring windows.
By the time the owners returned from London, their home was ready: primed for connection, light and space.
