Tucked within a heritage streetscape in inner Melbourne, this project extends a modest Victorian terrace to create a home that balances openness and retreat. The single-storey addition responds to the constraints of its compact site and limited solar access with a careful choreography of light, volume, and material texture.

The original front two bedrooms were retained and a new master suite added. The living spaces unfold beyond a central courtyard that separates the old from the new. This courtyard draws light deep into the home, defining a subtle transition between private and social spaces.

Clad in weathering steel, the new addition contrasts the heritage fabric with a robust, earthy patina that will continue to evolve with time. Inside, the material palette is rich yet restrained—blackened stainless steel counter tops and charcoal in the living areas are offset by textured wall finishes and warm terracotta floor tiles that trace the threshold between the old house and the new addition.

The roof form lifts and folds to admit daylight and sky views, giving a sense of expansion within the single-storey envelope. Designed for a professional couple who sought both a place to entertain and a private sanctuary, the house offers moments of intimacy and openness—a calm retreat that feels deeply connected to its setting and the way they live.