Project: M House
Architects: MAKE Architecture
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Photographs by: Peter Bennetts
M House by MAKE Architecture Studio
MAKE Architecture have undertaken a renovation and extension of a Victorian bungalow, amplifying the simple pleasures of daily living that confirms the ideals of quality over quantity.
The residence in question is called the M House and it is located on a site that the owners fell in love at first sight when they first laid eyes on this Northcote property.
Several years after they moved in, they began pondering the idea of renovating. The result, well stick with us and you’ll see for yourself.
From the architects: “Small, but with delight, this project looks at how a modest alteration and addition can make a positive contribution to the way a family lives.
On a south-facing site in Northcote, the key driver for this project was how to bring northern light into new living spaces. The new addition was kept as small as possible to retain the backyard space. The double hip roof form of the existing house has been extruded to the rear and pulled away to create a small courtyard. The living spaces are now bathed in light in winter; the deep timber lined eave excludes the summer sun. With its wraparound bench seat, the courtyard becomes an extension of the living space, allowing for family life and activities to spill outside when extra space is required. The ‘M’ roof form is expressed internally to create expansive ceiling heights with the lining boards wrapping down the walls.
The new living space has provided this family with a light-filled space to come together and share daily life. There is space for home admin incorporated into the kitchen. The piano that sat unused in an old spare room is now out in the main living space and is played regularly. The sunken bath in an efficiently planned bathroom and the handmade tiles by MAKE’s Bruce Rowe are small moments of delight.”
