With an available footprint of only 45 sqm, Mitsuori Architects’ brief and the challenge was to create a unique and energy-efficient addition to a double storey terrace house on a steeply sloping site in inner-city Melbourne.
This addition was to accommodate a kitchen and living space, a study, bathroom, laundry, and bedroom, and it needed to connect seamlessly with the levels of the existing building.
A three-story vertical addition, contemplated as a series of interlocking ‘stacked’ spaces and volumes, connects intuitively to every level of the existing house.
A series of sculptural light shafts are used to visually extend spaces, control views, and provide an energy-efficient means of naturally ventilating the house.
At the end of a traditional Victorian hallway, one is met with a view of the sky and a soaring vertical space that connects old and new.
A lower ground floor family living room is flooded with natural light from above and feels deceptively open and spacious despite its compact size.
At mid-level and accessed from the half landing of the original staircase, a study, laundry, and bathroom with a view of the city skyline is unexpected and delightful.
On the top floor, an open loft style bedroom overlooks the three-story sky lit void.
Project Details
Project Size – 240 m2
Site Area – 150 m2
Completion Date – 2019
Building Levels – 3
Project Team
Architecture
Mitsuori Architects
Melbourne-based and founded in 2008 by Matthew Murfett and Melissa Lim, Mitsuori Architects bring together large-scale project experience and technical expertise with the personalised service and attention to detail of a small boutique design practice.
Construction
Warrington Homes
Homegrown in Eastern Melbourne since 1995, Warrington Homes is a family-run business steeped in the building tradition.
Photography
Michael Kai
Michael Kai is a Melbourne-based photographer. Born in a town close to Berlin, Germany, Michael spent two years as a documentary photographer in post-war Kosovo before pursuing further studies in Germany and Australia.
Photo Gallery
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Design © 2021 Mitsuori Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2021 Michael Kai. All Rights Reserved.
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