Project: Parnell Facade / single storey rear extension
Architects: Preston Lane Architects
Builder: Filiponne Constructions
Structural Engineer: Marcon & Tedesco O’Neill P/L
Location: Elsternwick, Australia
Project size: 282 m2
Photo Credits: Derek Swalwell
Text and Photos: Courtesy of Preston Lane Architects
Parnell Facade project is a single storey rear extension to an existing post war bungalow in Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia.
What were the key challenges?
The main challenge of this project was creating a strong design concept around a poor previous extension. How can we design to complement both the amazing original house, the poor previous extension and the new proposal.
What was the brief?
The project brief was to restore the original post war bungalow and partly demolish a poorly designed 1980’s extension which was dark and had no connection to the garden. A light filled contemporary extension that opened to the backyard and existing pool was proposed, incorporating existing structure where possible.
What were the solutions?
The key concept for this project was to create an extension that utilised as much of the existing extension building fabric as possible due to the project budget.
The existing previous rear extensions northern and southern walls were retained and slightly modified. This provided a surface that was then rendered both outside and inside with a concrete finish that clearly differentiated this section of the house from the original house. This thick wall provides a buffer to Parnell street and is then punctuated with a steel framed northern oriented window seat with a large opening window for ventilation.
A decorative breeze block wall was located between the living and dining space to create a separation between these spaces. The breeze block wall, which subtly references the timber detailing patterns from the existing hallway, filters light and sight lines between the kitchen-dining and family room. It’s position orientates the view towards the backyard when entering the space from the entry hallway yet provides transparency when looking across the space from the kitchen.
The house is zoned with large sliding panels and a spine of American Oak joinery wrapping the kitchen creates a datum that slides under the lower ceiling of the living room.
The design has changed the way the clients use the house especially the rear garden and existing pool. The garden is now a part of everyday life and experienced from within the house rather than two very separate spaces.
The renovated master bedroom and its walk-in robe and luxurious ensuite has provided a separate space for the parents to retreat.
The light filled spaces of the new extension provide a contrast to the dark existing rooms.
