Swanston Street House, Carlton

The Swanston Street House comprises of a new addition, which quietly sits back from the street within a stretch of single storey Victorian terrace houses. It belies the restraints of the terrace typology and the long, narrow site to provide a light filled, open and connected home.

The original façade, front room and entry hall were retained, while the ground floor addition was conceived as a large open space. The new space could then be broken down into more intimate spaces through implied zones, changing levels, and sheer curtains.

A void above the lounge area draws light into the centre of the house and creates a new opportunity to visually connect the ground and first floor. The dark and moody palette is offset using light wells and glazing, which spill natural light into the space. The kitchen and dining area are orientated to take advantage of the morning light. A sheer curtain provides a sense of softness, and can be used to envelope the dining area, creating a sanctum within the space which is both theatrical and intimate.