Australian studio Victoria Merrett Architecture has masterfully expanded a single-storey home in Melbourne‘s Rye suburb, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. Named Marianne House, the project provides ample space for a growing family while seamlessly connecting indoor living with the surrounding natural landscape. The extension, nearly doubling the original footprint, is a testament to sensitive design and considered material choices.
The core objective of Marianne House was clear: to create a functional and comfortable home for a family with two children. Victoria Merrett Architecture achieved this by strategically positioning a substantial side extension slightly detached from the existing structure. This separation allowed for the creation of a private courtyard, a key element in the project’s success. This courtyard acts as a buffer zone, providing light and private views to the bedrooms on either side, while also serving as a transitional space between the old and new sections of the house.
The extension houses a spacious open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, a main bedroom suite, and utility spaces. The original house has been thoughtfully renovated to accommodate three additional bedrooms and a more intimate lounge area. The connection between the two volumes is a glazed link corridor, cleverly designed to navigate a slight change in level on the sloping site. This corridor is more than just a passageway; it can be opened at both ends, effectively merging the front garden with the courtyard and enhancing natural ventilation and flow.
The new living space is oriented towards a north-west facing garden, maximizing natural light and optimizing the connection with the outdoors. Full-height sliding glass doors open onto a terrace, blurring the lines between inside and out. High-level windows in the gable end further enhance the natural illumination, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The linear layout of the extension maximizes the site’s length, further emphasizing the connection to the landscape.
The material palette of the extension draws inspiration from the existing house, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Brick and timber are the dominant materials, employed with subtle variations to distinguish the old from the new. The existing house has been updated with vertical timber cladding, while the extension features horizontally laid planks. This subtle difference creates a visual distinction without disrupting the overall harmony.
Inside, the contemporary elements of the extension, such as high ceilings and clean lines, are complemented by walnut-stained Blackbutt timber, which blends seamlessly with the brick exterior. A particularly striking feature is the dramatic vaulted ceiling over the kitchen, dining, and living space. This design choice is a direct reference to the exposed rafters of the original house, further strengthening the connection between the two structures.
Victoria Merrett Architecture, founded in 2023, has demonstrated a keen understanding of context and a commitment to creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Marianne House is a prime example of their approach, showcasing a harmonious blend of old and new, and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment. The project is a successful exercise in creating a family home that is both modern and respectful of its existing context.