From the sidewalk, this dwelling may seem to blend in with its 100-year-old neighboring homes, but the Kooyong House by Matt Gibson Architecture is packing quite the contemporary punch out back.
The goal of the project was to revamp the existing Victorian residence east of downtown Melbourne, and in doing so, add a very modern addition that would cause no confusion regarding the structure's original state. The small single-story dwelling was given an open concept extension, and joined by means of a glass walled tunnel. The second storey breaks free from the ornate yet orderly manner of the heritage home, and is completely clad with curving walls of wooden beams. The Kooyong House by Matt Gibson Architecture is a microcosm for the larger stylistic transition that the Australian city is experiencing.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Contemporary Heritage
- Embracing modern design while preserving historical integrity provides opportunities for innovative renovations and additions.
- Open Concept Extension
- Creating seamless transitions between existing structures and new additions opens up possibilities for functional and visually appealing architectural designs.
- Curving Wood Cladding
- Using curved wooden beams as a primary design element presents possibilities for unique and visually striking facades and structures.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Architects can explore new ways to blend modern and historical design elements in their projects.
- Construction
- Construction companies can develop techniques for seamlessly integrating new additions with existing structures.
- Design
- Designers can experiment with curving wood cladding to create distinctive visual statements in their creations.
