Outlook House | SG2 architects + interiors

This Californian bungalow is located on the fringe of Melbourne's CBD.

The initial brief was to create a contemporary open-plan living area with more bedrooms and bathrooms, plus increase energy efficiency levels, all within the existing footprint of the single-storey house.

Proposed new areas were designed to maximize northerly aspect and views to the extensive garden beyond. Approximately two-thirds of the original house was demolished and re-built at the rear. New additions respect the surrounding landscape by avoiding the removal of a significant magnolia tree that assists in shading the house in summer.

This created an opportunity to cantilever out a section of new roof to provide some shelter from the elements. A new light-well lined with floorboards slices through the ceiling space, to create a delightful point of interest that defines the open areas below. The light-well also allows for heat built-up over summer to be expelled via motorized louvers.

The renovation works were completed by on-budget and generally exceeded the home owner's expectations and brief, much to the delight of everyone involved on the project.

Outcome: “SG2 design provided excellent plans that met my brief and exceeded my expectations.”