optimise sightlines, and let natural light flood
right back through the interior from the newly
glazed rear wall.
The simple tonal palette of tongue and
groove, engineered oak floor and stairs matched
with white surfaces adds to the feeling of space.
Upstairs, past the mezzanine, lies Firkin’s
other key design stroke – a contemporary extra
level containing the master suite and a bedroom.
“While the existing cladding is in red brick,
we finished the addition in raised seam zinc
cladding. Rather than blending in, this offers a
striking contrast to the classic facade.”
However, a raked roofline plays down the
new level from the semi-detached neighbour
and the rectilinear form is stepped back from
the street at the front, so is not visible from there.
At the back, the clean-lined form cantilevers out
over the yard, for shade and shelter.
“The home is situated in a bustling inner-city
neighbourhood,” says Firkin. “So, to achieve a
quiet retreat on this master bedroom level, the
addition features double-clad construction.”
The design achieved a 7-star energy rating,
with ESD consultants engaged to advise on sus-
tainable design aspects for water and energy use.
Facing page: Divide and rule – the
rear of the home has been divided
vertically by a new mezzanine floor
and horizontally by the demarcated
spaces for the kitchen and the
dining area.
Above: The modern new kitchen,
designed by architect Julie Firkin,
features white surfaces, a back-
painted glass splashback and low-
upkeep concrete floors. The kitchen
is only a few steps from the dining
table and the back yard.
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