Fairfield Extension in Melbourne’s inner north is an alterations and additions project completed in late 2022. The clients, a couple with two young children, had outgrown their early 20th century cottage. Crosshatch was engaged to create a sympathetic rear extension to meet the family’s needs, while retaining the character of the original two-bedroom home. The existing floor plan was also reconfigured to provide an additional bedroom and an ensuite to the master bedroom.

In addition to being respectful of the cottage, the design brief included incorporation of the established south-facing native garden. Designing the extension as a simple linear form away from the body of the existing house, a central courtyard was created with a double-aspect living area. North-facing windows allow deep sun penetration and south-facing windows create a constant connection to the garden.

Large sliding window panels in the dining/living room blur the lines between indoor and outdoor allowing a seamless connection between the expansive south garden and the more sheltered central courtyard. The fixed bench in the living room further exemplifies the idea of blurring the boundaries of exterior and interior.

A connecting link between the original cottage and extension was used as a transitional element with a low ceiling to accentuate the change between old and new spaces.

The original dining room was transformed into the master ensuite, with a discreet door incorporated into the bespoke cabinetry adding a touch of playfulness whilst maximising space.

In terms of materiality, the extension reinterprets the original weatherboard external finish and extends it to the interior blade walls creating a more contemporary indoor/outdoor connection. The custom joinery throughout plays with the different textures of the simple plywood, with hand pulls referencing the form of the house.