compact intervention – Melbourne

Brunswick West House is a small-scale, 50-square-meter alteration and addition to a Californian Bungalow home located in the Brunswick West, Melbourne, Australia. Designed by Taylor Nights architects the addition forms a low room, compact intervention on the project’s site, that aims to re-engage the home with the generous north-facing garden beyond.

The modest nature of the project called for simple, incisive moves that would sidestep the need for an arduous and costly re-configuration of the existing home. In turn, the architects strategy looked to re-purpose an ivy-lined side-way, creating a new, central entry for the home.

This approach enables the home to operate succinctly in two halves: the original rooms now accommodate more private activities, while the addition forms its new social heart. These new living spaces are arranged in and around three sculptural masonry walls, creating nooks and reveals within the open plan spaces that could offer a place to sit and share with family or retreat within at other times.

The unassuming extension has a scene of belonging and a deep connection to the garden and lets not skip over those stunning green terrazzo floors countered by the black timber finishes!

Photography Tom Blachford