?A house for living in!? exclaimed the client in the early stages. ?Textured and warm with a touch of whimsy ? but no stunts that will date..?

© Shannon McGrath

Architects: Bower Architecture

Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia

Area: 385.5 sqm

Project Year: 2015

Photographs: Shannon McGrath

?A house for living in!? exclaimed the client in the early stages. ?Textured and warm with a touch of whimsy ? but no stunts that will date..?

© Shannon McGrath

With this in mind we collaborated with the client to explore brief and site opportunities for a house that appears to reveal itself effortlessly, a series of spaces that feel meant to be.
© Shannon McGrath

The design concept resisted the addition of a second storey, utilising every part of the site to stitch a new single storey extension in between existing street facing bedrooms and the original garage at the rear. The need to house unique artwork combined with opportunities for memorable entry experiences, framed views and varied garden connections in the pursuit for joyful, practical and surprising spaces.

© Shannon McGrath

A new screened carport cradles and softens the proportions of the retained frontage and becomes integral to the arrival journey, leading to entry into an intimate courtyard at the centre of the house. This cou...