This tall, gabled extension is tucked behind the Victorian frontage of a mid-terrace house in Melbourne's Fitzroy North suburb, and its exterior is clad in pale blue tiles (+ slideshow).

Designed by local firm Dan Gayfer Design, the tiled High House extension contrasts the ornately embellished verandah facing the street, giving the property one contemporary and one historic facade.

Just two rooms of the original Victorian-era dwelling are preserved as bedrooms. The two-storey extension tacked onto the rear creates a spacious living room at ground level, and an extra bedroom and study above for a couple with a young child.

Designed to maximise natural light on the narrow five-metre-wide plot, the block features skylights and expansive windows, as well as a central courtyard between the old and new structures.
"The client essentially wanted to turn inner city terrace living on its head," said studio founder Dan Gayfer.
"They wanted the convenience of inner city living without compromising on space, function, interaction, flexibility and light."

"Flexibility is achieved through the integration of both living spaces with adjacent outdoor areas; both spaces become considerably larger with sliding doors open," he added.

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"The outcome of this design process is High House; a high level of functionality, flexibility, i...