Set within picturesque bay-side Middle Park,Melbourne this existing double-fronted weatherboard was transformed into a 2-storey, 4-bedroom family home. The project is a series of complementary contrasts: the delicate light detail of the retained heritage facade against the contemporary colorbond and light face brickwork to the new extension. The original ornate features and high ceilings of the retained bedrooms against the intimate textured-orientated first floor master bedroom suite; and the lightness and texture of the living zone against the dark timbers and feature bulkheads in the kitchen.

Designed by Baldasso Cortese Architects, the hub of this home is very much the living/kitchen space, set down from the existing house level to maximise space whilst staying within the heritage overlay height limitation. With access passing by the feature cantilevered stair, the space is surrounded by natural light and connection to the outside through a series of courtyards and skylights. With a brief for there to be no dining table, the central cantilevered island becomes the gathering place, from breakfast with the kids, to coffee with friends.