Playful Melbourne family home by Make Architecture has a community hub feel

Make Architecture has created a playful new extension for a family in Melbourne.

A new gable-roofed extension was added to an old bungalow to create a second entrance that connects, through a stylish garage workshop, to the rear lanes and local community. The community hub feel and fun wooden elements mean the family could be entertaining a constant stream of visitors. Take a look at the gallery to see the entire design.

The extension is shifted to the side, allowing natural light into the house and opening the kitchen and dining areas to the outdoor space. Concrete was cast against recycled fence post formwork to create a wealth of natural textures on the exterior and interior. Warm toned timber pieces fill the end of the gable roof, containing the main bedroom. The angled panels mitigate the intense Australian sun and ensure privacy both for the occupants and the neighbors, without sacrificing distant rooftop views.

Standing in the kitchen you could believe you were in the latest trendy coffee joint. Black ceilings and kitchen joinery recede into the background. Off-form concrete surfaces and raw red brick of the existing house are highlighted by yellow pops of color. Blackboard paint turns a painted wall into a cafe style family noticeboard. A stunning indoor/outdoor fireplace, pizza oven and landscape seat edges all encourage social interaction and engagement. Plenty of steps and small integral seats invite family and visitors to sit and chill out. As the evening cools the family can retreat to living spaces surrounding a bold floating staircase, functioning as bookcase and room divider.

The rear of the house and studio engages with the lane as an active street address. The garage studio space has been finished in the same high quality as the house renovation. It features a fully operable window and desk space. Outside a neighbourhood seat and small porch connect with the communal public space and invite passersby to linger.