East St Kilda Extension 03.09.10

This project exemplifies the Di Mase approach and philosophy in many ways. Our clients wanted to extend their small inner-suburban home via the addition of a parents’ retreat. They were keen to do so with sensitivity to both their own environment and that of their neighbours, and they wanted to maximise the relationship between the house and the outdoor areas. They also wanted to be involved collaboratively in the design process.

After experimenting with various arrangements, we created new internal and external spaces which relate to each other in interesting ways. The courtyard becomes the heart of activity, surrounded on three sides by the existing house and the extension. Daylight and views closely connect the new living area to the garden and courtyard. Placement of the extension to the north avoids overshadowing of the neighbours.

The approach avoided the typical addition of a large open-plan space, creatively providing a more flexible layout in which the family of four are able to live in harmony in their small dwelling. Each individual has their own space and aspect to the outside, while the family are able to gather together in the various communal spaces.

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  • St Kilda Extension - overall photo
  • St Kilda Extension - photo of recessed light fittings and skylights
  • St Kilda Extension - photo of master bedroom
  • St Kilda Extension - photo of spiral staircase
  • St Kilda Extension - photo of parents' retreat 2
  • St Kilda Extension - photo of recessed light fittings
  • St Kilda Extension - photo of parents' retreat
St Kilda Extension - overall photo St Kilda Extension - photo of recessed light fittings and skylights St Kilda Extension - photo of master bedroom St Kilda Extension - photo of spiral staircase St Kilda Extension - photo of parents' retreat 2 St Kilda Extension - photo of recessed light fittings St Kilda Extension - photo of parents' retreat

 

Mt Martha House 13.03.06

This project is a new house for a family with 5 young children and large home office. The project is unusual in that the client is also the builder who has built much of our work over the past 5 years. The site is a large block in a semi-rural location with beautiful views to the bay and city beyond. The site is sloping and the northern aspect is to the front of the block towards the street. The view, orientation and the sloping site meant that the design approach inverted the traditional sequence of spaces of front door, house and backyard.

Check out the review in Home

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  • Mt Martha House - photo of indoor/outdoor living space
  • Mt Martha House - photo of swimming pool
  • Mt Martha House - photo of side wall
Mt Martha House - photo of indoor/outdoor living space Mt Martha House - photo of swimming pool Mt Martha House - photo of side wall