Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Mid-Century Home Grows Up to Take in the View
A mid-century modern home in Perth gets a sensitive yet dramatic update to make it perfect for 21st century living
Building up to take advantage of the views that can be see from this property’s site, Matthews and Scavalli Architects carved out a bright, double-height vertical space and created a connected second storey for this 1950s home in Perth. Both inside and out, the renovation is sympathetic to the true spirit of the original modernist home, which is believed to have been designed by Raymond Jones, a prominent Australian architect responsible in part for many of Perth’s modernist buildings constructed for the Commonwealth Games in 1962.
Typical of many modernist designs, the original home lacked a formal entry, requiring visitors to move through the carport into an open courtyard before entering the house. The architects have rectified that, designing new stairs to connect the ground floor to the new entry level of the house. The graphic, dynamic nature of the new stairs recalls an entry ramp at another key Australian modernist home – the Rose Seidler House. Never missing an opportunity for multi-functionality, the new stairs are cleverly designed to create a second covered carpark.
Upon entering through the new formal entry, you’re greeted by a light and airy space. The double-height entry draws light in from a huge highlight window above the door, turning the stair void into a light well for the home. This area also visually and spatially connects the original ground floor with the new upper floor. An open-riser staircase enhances this sense of space and light. To the right, the entry foyer opens directly on to the open-plan kitchen and dining area.
To the left of the entry is a lounge area that feels bright and welcoming, yet also cosy and relaxed. The white walls of these updated areas provide plenty of space for the owners’ colourful art collection, infusing each room with a sense of quirky personality.
A benefit of the original modernist structure is the full-height glazing which connects the home to the garden. The lounge area benefits from this with bright natural light, and a sense that the room bleeds into the garden space.
The original brickwork is used as a feature wall in the lounge, drawing deserved attention towards the fireplace and original integrated joinery. Of course, this helps to tie the home’s history into the modernised space, but it also helps to make the lounge feel warmer and character-filled.
Chairs and mirror: Empire Home
Chairs and mirror: Empire Home
Unfortunately the original kitchen was in poor condition and had to be completely updated. The architects took that as an opportunity to create a clean white kitchen that blends into the walls. This ensures the kitchen/dining area feels spacious and bright. After sunset, pendant lighting over the breakfast bar and dining table creates a nice mood for enjoying food and wine.
After climbing the stairs to the second storey, you get a good idea of why the architect chose to build up, rather than out – up here, it’s all about the views!
“The views from the already elevated ground floor were further capitalised,” says Andrea Veccia-Scavalli, principal of Matthews and Scavalli Architects.
“However, [the views from downstairs] paled in comparison to the potential for views from a further elevated first floor. It was a key briefing requirement to explore how we might be able to elevate a new living zone.” And it paid off. From this new level, the house has panoramic views towards Perth City and the Swan River.
“The views from the already elevated ground floor were further capitalised,” says Andrea Veccia-Scavalli, principal of Matthews and Scavalli Architects.
“However, [the views from downstairs] paled in comparison to the potential for views from a further elevated first floor. It was a key briefing requirement to explore how we might be able to elevate a new living zone.” And it paid off. From this new level, the house has panoramic views towards Perth City and the Swan River.
The upstairs living area takes full advantage of those views with large full-height windows. Thanks to the stair void, this relaxed space is still spatially connected to the downstairs living spaces.
The master bedroom has a clever sliding door connecting it to the living area for maximum flexibility. This means the upstairs living area can act as a retreat, or both rooms can become completely separate, leaving the bedroom in privacy. This inbuilt flexibility was a key consideration for the architects, making the home versatile enough to change with the owners’ needs.
Clerestory windows in the spacious ensuite ensure privacy while still providing plenty of natural light.
Bathroom fixtures: Rogerseller; bath: Reece
Bathroom fixtures: Rogerseller; bath: Reece
The clean lines of this geometric freestanding bath, combined with the textured mosaic tiles, are contemporary interpretations of the modernist aesthetic, tying the new elements of the home into its original design.
Outside, the courtyard and original entry to the house have been retained and transformed into a delightful outdoor entertaining space. Crazy stone paving retains the style of mid-century modern that makes the home unique and character-filled.
Ardross House is a sensitive and stylish modernisation of a mid-century modern home, bringing it up to date for 21st-century living. The decision to build up instead of adding an extension on the same level has retained more of the sense of space and proportion that made the original home unique, and captured stunning views to boot.
TELL US
What do you think about this modernised mid-century modern home? Let us know in the Comments section.
TELL US
What do you think about this modernised mid-century modern home? Let us know in the Comments section.
Who lives here: A couple and their daughter
Location: Ardross, Perth, WA
Size: 250 square metres; 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Architect: Matthews and Scavalli Architects