Project: Extruded House
Architecture: MCK Architecture & Interiors
Team: Steve Koolloos, Jarad Grice, Ahron Best, Isabelle Orr
Builder: TOKI Constructions
Structural Engineer: SDA Structures
Landscape: Mariko Designs
Location: Neutral Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Area: 251 m2
Year: 2018
Photo Credits: Willem Rethmeier
The Extruded House by MCK Architecture & Interiors offers a fresh, modern take on a traditional federation-style home. The project began with a simple idea: to make better use of an existing home with good bones but a clumsy layout. In other words, the goal was not to add new space, but to use what was already there more effectively.
A Thoughtful, Collaborative Design
The design team reconfigured the existing layout through collaboration. They removed clutter between the front and rear sections to create an open, double-height living area at the back. This new space offers a wide, uninterrupted view out to the rear fence and garden. The team preserved the original structure to maintain its heritage and character while embracing modern functionality. They also reworked circulation paths, so every movement feels natural and efficient. Consequently, family interactions improve and each room becomes more purposeful.
Modern Elements Meet Classic Heritage
The architects built the extruded portion in off-form concrete, challenging the original fabric while providing a calm, modern contrast. They added a timber-clad wall inside the concrete shell to pay homage to the original home. The designers installed highlight glazing to bring in southern light and offer views of the existing roof. These thoughtful details remind residents of their past while embracing the present. In addition, the design introduces subtle changes that enhance spatial clarity and allow natural elements to shine through.
Sustainable, High-Performance Features
The team constructed the new shell in solid concrete with wall cavities, giving it instant thermal mass that stabilizes interior temperatures. A black fin on the rear controls direct sunlight by harnessing the lower winter sun to warm the concrete floor and repelling the higher summer sun to prevent overheating. They positioned a solar ventilator in the double-height living area behind a bespoke timber grille to boost air circulation. Furthermore, the system captures and recycles rainwater for the gardens, while abundant natural light minimizes the need for artificial lighting during the day. These sustainable strategies reduce energy consumption and create a comfortable, eco-friendly environment.
Social and Functional Layout
The Extruded House now features a seamless flow of spaces that cater to a modern lifestyle. Instead of adding extra square meters, the design focuses on better organizing the existing ones. The reconfigured layout creates quiet nooks for relaxation and open areas for family gatherings. The new living zone, with its expansive glazing, invites both natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, encouraging residents to slow down and appreciate the outdoors. In addition, the updated circulation paths eliminate unnecessary corridors, making the home feel more spacious and connected.
Materiality, Finishes, and Detailing
The project places a strong emphasis on quality materials and refined detailing. The extruded section, constructed in off-form concrete, contrasts with the warm, natural timber elements that reference the home’s heritage. Moreover, the careful use of glazing highlights the interplay of light and shadow, creating dynamic visual effects throughout the day. Custom finishes and bespoke joinery add a layer of sophistication, ensuring that every detail contributes to a balanced, high-quality living experience. This meticulous approach not only celebrates the original design but also enhances it for contemporary living.
Integration with the Environment
The design team embraced the idea that a home should connect with its environment. They achieved this by preserving key historical features while enhancing natural light, air, and space. The new design not only responds to the functional needs of the residents but also creates an emotional experience—a moment when the interplay of natural light, materials, and spatial flow evokes a sense of calm and clarity. This thoughtful integration has resulted in a home that feels both resilient and inviting.
In conclusion, The Extruded House redefines modest living through thoughtful design, efficient use of space, and sustainable practices. By blending modern elements with classic heritage, the project delivers a home that stands as a testament to quality, innovation, and the enduring value of simplicity.
