SOUTH YARRA VOID HOUSE | Andrew Child Architect

An alteration and minor addition to an elegant heritage protected single storey double fronted Victorian home which already had a solid but uninspiring and tired 1970’s double storey extension.

En route to becoming empty nesters, the clients owned an elegant double fronted single storey Victorian home which already had a solid but uninspiring and tired 1970’s solid brick rear extension.

They required an upgrade to the residence to house themselves with provision to house their adult children in the short term. One of the owners was also looking for a small space to work from home that would be more than just a converted bedroom with a poor outlook or a residual space tucked underneath or beside the stairs.

A number of strategic alterations and a tiny side extension were proposed. A key move was to remove an upper level bedroom to create a double height dining space below. This new focal point for the home has created drama amongst the relatively modest ceiling heights of the old addition and also opened the living areas to the sky and the trees of the rear yard and surrounding properties. It also unearthed a delightful work space beautifully positioned above the kitchen. This space has an unusually long and diagonal view through this void and garden, and into the neighbouring treetops and sky beyond.

Additionally, new windows and other metal elements were inserted into the building fabric of the existing rear addition to enliven the spaces. As with the building, as much of the existing was retained as possible when considering the new landscaping throughout the property.

Photography: TATJANA PLITT

Website: https://www.tatjanaplitt.com/