We took a classic weatherboard cottage located in St Kilda with a council Heritage Overlay and removed the previous 1980s extension to the rear. The two front bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor, being part of the original main area of the house, was retained.

The planning restraints meant that careful consideration was given to how the upper-level area of the addition sat within the streetscape. The current ground floor footprint was utilized without pushing further back into the rear of the small site of 140m2. The brief was to add a primary bedroom, ensuite, WIR and an east-facing deck on the upper level and to refurbish the ground floor bathroom, new kitchen and to utilize the small area of land to the northeast. This is where things got interesting.
Because the site tapered, becoming narrower to the rear and the proposed building was to utilize

this valuable unused space, it meant that none of the gutter line, roof ridge and internally, the ceiling and wall junctions were parallel to each other or horizontal. The geometry applied ensured that the upper-level façades presented symmetrically to each end of the property. A couple of the builder’s carpenters who set out the framing had minor existential crises. Ironically, all this was very carefully worked out so no one would actually notice the unusual form.

It was a deliberate decision to make the new additions visibly contemporary in contrast to the existing dwelling but not move too far away from the original. The galvanized custom orb cladding wraps up one side, over and down on the other, intersecting with the weatherboard cladding. Both familiar materials found on the classic Victorian workers’ cottages found in this part of St Kilda.
This abstract level 1 form envelopes the screened internal space creating areas of visual permeability which becomes an active and changing façade depending on the time of day, conditions and lighting.

The internal planning was extremely important as there was no room to build further back to increase the internal area of the house without severe detriment to the very small rear yard. With this setback maintained, the internal planning was crucial to improve the functional layout and also fit in a stair to access the upper addition.

Some of these methods included introducing a banquette seat to the front of the kitchen bench which freed up valuable living space. The laundry is located in the hallway at the top of the stairs. The front-facing roof deck is accessed from here and returning back along with the stair void you enter the primary bedroom. Beyond is the rear deck which is curtained by the operable aluminium screen that not only provides privacy but protection from the western summer sun.

Returning back to the east, takes you through the walk-in robe, into the ensuite and back out to the eastern deck. Using room to room movement in the “doughnut” plan reduces the extent of a wasted egress area, more comfortable spaces as well as allowing excellent cross ventilation to all of the upper rooms.
The existing rooms were refurbished retaining their original features and trims with new contemporary fixtures and fittings that are aesthetically appropriate.

The interior finishes are selected to be honest to the raw textures and colours of the materials employed. The detail is careful and clean but controlled and practical. This detail was also very important to the client which delivered a combination of sensibility and functionality which won’t date.

Sustainable applications included long-lasting and durable materials such as decorative concrete with zoned hydronic heating, thermally broken aluminium and narrow profile steel frame double glazed windows and sliding doors. The upper level overhangs the west-facing off the lower living room which negated the requirement for air conditioning. The sensible application of good thermally passive design, energy-efficient lighting and fixtures coupled with a 2.6kW PV system provides for comfortable living at a low environmental and financial cost.

The result is a unique and subtle addition that compliments the existing heritage dwelling and a home that is enjoyable to live in!

This cottage-style home stands out with its consistent bright white tone. This makes the potted plants and medium-sized tree stand out.

This is a lovely cottage-style house with white shiplap exterior walls and white wooden fences adorned with potted plants and a tree.

A closer look at the house shows the gorgeous white main entrance with a cover that extends to the small front porch. You can also see here the small gate in the middle of the low white fences.

This is a close look at the small and cozy front porch. It has a wrought-iron bench flanked by potted plants under the window. Here you can also see the wall-mounted lamp of the main door.

This is a long and narrow hallway-like foyer with white walls, white arches and wall-mounted artworks on one side.

This is a look at the hallway foyer from the vantage of one of the rooms. You can better appreciate here the decorative artworks of the wall and the complement of the light hardwood flooring.

This is a view of the great room from the vantage of the kitchen. You can see here the dining area with a wooden dining table and the living room illuminated by the large open wall leading to the patio.

This large open wall that leads to the patio beyond can close and open with its folding set of glass doors with black frames that stand out against the bright walls and ceiling.

This is the beautiful and homey living room with a large beige sofa paired with a round black coffee table that stands out against the light gray area rug.

A closer look at the living room focuses more on the wall-mounted paintings above the sofa as well as the black modern standing lamp on the side.

This is the view of the great room from the vantage of the living room. Here you can see the L-shaped built-in bench of the dining area paired with a wooden dining table. You can also see the three pendant lights of the kitchen that matches well with the black ceiling fan of the living room.

A closer inspection of the dining area shows the bench is actually attached to the kitchen island of the kitchen behind it. You can also appreciate the black wall of the staircase from this angle.

The second floor landing has gorgeous white walls and a white shed ceiling with skylights that bring in natural lighting. This also leads to the balcony on the far end.

On the other end of this balcony entrance bedroom area. This hallway that leads to it has lovely black railings for the indoor balcony.

A different angle of the second-floor hallway reveals a set of built-in white cabinets on the side wall just before entering the bedroom.

This is the walk-in closet of the bedroom with two sets of cabinets on each side of the long and narrow hardwood flooring that can lead back to the head of the bed.

This bedroom has a large cushioned bed with gray sheets and pillows to give a soft contrast to the bright white walls and cathedral ceiling. These are all brightened by the natural lights filtered in through the sheer curtains of the balcony doors.

A closer look at the bedroom showcases the gorgeous small white bedside tables with a small built-in drawer. There is also a table lamp on the bedside table with a brass hue to it.

This angle look at the bedroom from the balcony shows the hallway to the second-floor landing on the left and the walk-in closet on the right that also leads to the bathroom beyond.

This bathroom has a black floating vanity contrasted by its white countertop and the white walls. Next to it is the freestanding white bathtub by a lovely set of doors with stained glass.

This other bathroom has a modern white vanity that blends well with the white countertop and white porcelain bowl sink. This is topped with a brass faucet and a large wall-mounted mirror.

This is the small balcony of the primary bedroom with a large glass sliding door adorned with a gorgeous potted plant on the side.

The other end of this narrow balcony has a comfortable hanging chair. This view also shows the folding shutters of the balcony.

The larger balcony has a white outdoor sofa with cushions paired with a small round side table.

This is a look at the white brick wall of the patio just outside the living room. It is adorned with lovely colorful flowers and a couple of outdoor modern lighting.

The patio just outside of the beautiful folding glass doors has an outdoor dining area. It has a round dining table surrounded by black chairs adorned with potted plants on the side.

Above the patio is the narrow balcony of the primary bedroom. This is what it looks like from outside when the shutters of the balcony are drawn.

These white shutters of the balcony give a nice contrast to the matte black exterior wall panels of the second level of the house.

This is a view of the back of the house showcases the tall white concrete fence with a back gate with a contrasting black tone to it.

This nighttime view of the back of the house shows its warm glow. This comes from the yellow light of the interiors escaping through the thin white shutters of the balcony.

This view of the back of the house shows the lovely bright white aesthetic contrasted by the dark exterior wall panels of the second level of the house.

This nighttime view of the back of the house makes the white shutters of the second floor stand out amidst the dark tone of the exterior wall panels.

This is the view from outside when the folding shutters above the balcony are open. It looks more like a window from this vantage.

This view gives the house a distinction with its neighboring houses. It has a unique aesthetic that is both modern and innovative.

The sidewalk outside the white concrete walls at the back are lined with plants that give the white wall a nice splash of color.

This view of th back of the house shows the lovely pairing of the black gate of the back patio with the black panels of the second floor exteriors.

The gorgeous black gate gives a nice contrast to the tall concrete walls that give the patio a nice enclosed space of privacy.

The house definitely stands out against the neighboring houses with its unique look and simple black and white tones.

Location: Clyde St, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
Architect: Jost Architects
Interior: Jost Architects
Builder: Prolifica Building Co
Photographs: Shani Dodson
Construction Budget: $675,000

Fittings, Fixtures & Finishes
External Cladding
Weatherboard cladding: Weathertex 200mm Classic Weatherboard smooth cladding system
Fascia cladding: James Hardie “Exo-tec” Cement Sheet cladding system
Upper-level infill cladding: James Hardie “Easylap” cement sheet cladding system
Metal Roof & Cladding: Lysaght Galvanised Custom Orb metal sheet

Window Frames
Ground floor windows: Aplo steel framed double glazed steel window system
Level 1 Windows: AWS Residential thermally broken double glazed window system
Skylights: Velux fixed Double glazed skylight system

Feature Lighting
Kitchen: Dowel Jones King Dome Three-Point Pendant light
Hallway: Large Bellis Pendant Light with chain from Schots
Stair Void: Brightgreen W900 SX Curve LED Wall light
Bathroom ground: Volker Haug Wall Step
Bathroom ground: Eurlouce Duomo Small Wall Light
Ensuite: Anaesthetic Duomo Small Wall Light

Fans
Living: Haiku Series 60 from Big Ass Fans

Interior Finishes
Joinery: Laminex white with black and white edging

Flooring
Timber Flooring: Australian Sustainable Hardwoods “Australian Oak” Engineered Select Grade

Flooring
Bathroom Floor Tiles: Carrara Octagon 48mm & Nero Dot 15 x 10mm marble mosaic from Marble & Ceramic Corp
Ensuite & Laundry splashback: Carrara Hexagonal Honed Marble Mosaic from Marble & Ceramic Corp
Ensuite: Carrara Honed Subway Tile 305×75
Polished Concrete: Helicopter polished concrete with matt finished

Benchtops
Kitchen: Carrara Marble
Laundry, Bathroom & ensuite: Corian “ Glacier white” with shark nose edge profile

Kitchen Appliances & Fixtures
Cooktop: Miele Induction cooktop
Oven: Miele BP Cleansteel Oven
Rangehood: Falmec Milano 90 Concealed Rangehood
Dishwasher: Fisher Paykel Integrated Single DishDrawer
Fridge/Freezer: Fisher Paykel ActiveSmart Fridge 900mm French Door
Sink: Blanco SUBLINE500U Single bowl undermount sink
Tapware: Astra Walker Icon Kitchen Mixer with square line spout

Sanitaryware
Vanity basin: Stonebaths S3 Benchtop Natural Stone Basin
Ensuite vanity tapware: Astra Walker Icon Matt Black Wall Set
Ensuite Shower Head 7 mixer: Astra Walker ceiling-mounted Shower Arm & 200mm Rose & Icon

Matt Black Wall Mixer
Bath mixer: Astra Walker floor mounted spout & mixer
Bath: Stonebaths 1500mm Justina Freestanding Stone Bath
Toilets: Geberit Hatria Fusion Wall Faced Toilet Suite
Bathroom vanity tapware: Brodware Yokato Wall Set
Bathroom: Brodware Yokato Exposed Overhead Shower Set with Hand Shower & Knurled Levers
Robe hook: Brodware Yokato