Caulfield South Residence

This 1970s L-shaped clinker brick residence was transformed into a contemporary, highly efficient and functional home. Providing a calm, relaxed atmosphere with a natural bent, the home contains a strong connection to the outdoors and responds sensitively to the homes modest architecture. Working within the existing footprint, walls were removed between the entrance hall, kitchen/dining and living to create an open, functional and multipurpose light-filled space. Glass doors in the living room and a new full-height window in the study maximises natural light and creates a visual link to the garden. A bi-fold window in the kitchen opens to a stone bench as a servery to outside. Joinery solutions enhance spatial flow. A shelving unit in solid Australian blackbutt and fluted glass divides the entry to the living room and echoes the front door. A shelf above the kitchen bench acts as a screening device, while sliding doors in blackbutt veneer conceal pantry/appliances and additional storage. A window bench-seat with concealed storage is incorporated into the living room to create a relaxing reading nook. More shelving and a low stone top bench wrap around to the fireplace wall. Bespoke joinery continues the natural timber theme in the bathroom and ensuite. Bedroom joinery was updated, while the study joinery provides dedicated workspaces for each of the owners. A sensitive approach to reconfiguring spaces within the existing footprint, savvy design solutions in joinery and bespoke detail have ensured a contemporary up-to-the-minute refurbishment, while preserving the home’s heritage. This upgrade sheds light on what is possible when working on a small scale.