pandolfini architects adds bold extension to modest victorian terrace house in melbourne

South Melbourne House by Pandolfini Architects

Pandolfini Architects introduces a bold addition to a modest Victorian terrace house in South Melbourne, Australia. By juxtaposing raw materials and lush finishes and incorporating double-height volumes and skylights, the design creates a striking contrast between old and new, and a sense of unexpected drama behind the humble facade. Despite the constraints of the small site, the design balances heritage and modernity, resulting in a welcoming family home.

Pandolfini Architects introduces a bold addition to a modest Victorian terrace house | all images by Rory Gardiner

Pandolfini Architects Craft a Seamless Blend of Past and Present

In the process of transforming the heritage-listed original house, Pandolfini Architects (find more here) encountered strict constraints that significantly influenced their design choices. The team crafted a seamless transition between the original dwelling and the addition, creating a journey through the back garden while embracing the imperfections of the past and present. Given the limited access to natural light, the architects incorporated double-height spaces, making the most of the permitted windows. Additionally, they sank the ground floor of the new addition into the site to adhere to height restrictions.

curved openings and skylights adorn the facade of the extension

casting night sky constellations within the floor

Drawing inspiration from contemporary Italian residential design, the team at Pandolfini Architects balanced robust elements such as emotive polished plaster and a concrete ceiling with delicate details of a fine steel balustrade. A distinctive feature of the new addition is the dark concrete slab adorned with hand-seeded white pebbles. This idea was born from curiosity and experimentation, as the client envisioned casting constellations into the night sky within the floor itself.

Situated on a charming South Melbourne residential street, framed by trees and a blend of tight-knit single and double-story terrace houses, the project gains its distinctive context. Pandolfini Architects meticulously restored the original front section of the house to its former glory, carefully ensuring that the new addition gracefully harmonized with the existing Victorian-era house and the Cecil Place streetscape. The result is a clear and distinctive demarcation between the old and the new, allowing both elements to coexist harmoniously and radiate timeless charm.

the design incorporates dark concrete flooring adorned with hand-seeded white pebbles