St Georges

Renovation and Extension

When designing an alteration and addition to the existing dwelling, the clients’ main brief was to create a large family home with modern features, whilst keeping true to the unique and original fifties retro style.

The home was designed in 1949 by local architect Dr Andrew Benko, whose major influence was the iconic American Architect Frank Llyod Wright. It was the first house to be built on Fifeshire Avenue and even featured in the 1951 Australian Home Beautiful magazine. Vivianne Vo from Metamorphosis Living Architecture and Kentdale Homes worked closely with the clients to create a design that would complement the unique and commanding structure of the original home. The complex building with exposed structural supports and cantilevered second story was a challenging and interesting project to design and required substantial engineering by James Denton from Denlin Consulting, to ensure the structural integrity and quirky style was not compromised.

Set on an unusual triangular bock with 1200 square metres of land and 68 metre frontage, the home required two separate additions that would engage with the pool and tennis court to maximise outdoor living opportunities. Extensive renovations of the existing building was also necessary to ensure the space worked with the new design.

The western extension comprises a kitchen and dining space which opens seamlessly onto decking with views across the pool, tennis court and city-scape. A pantry, laundry, bathroom, garage and workshop have also been incorporated into the design. The Eastern extension serves as the ‘kid’s wing’. Three large bedrooms and a rumpus room have been positioned to maximise the views, while a main bathroom has been cleverly located within the existing garage, featuring a wall of glass overlooking a private courtyard.

Both additions were constructed on concrete slabs with a combination of steel and timber for the structural build and framing. James Hardie ‘Scyon Axon’ was used to clad the parapet walls. Materials were salvaged and selected carefully to ensure the original and new structures were complimented. Featuring polished concrete and timber floors, Western Red Cedar doors, raked ceilings, exposed besa brick walls, shadow line plywood ceilings, matt black kitchen with stone benchtops plus custom black aluminium louvre windows and stacker doors taking advantage of the Northern aspect, the two extensions are a stunning addition to the home.

Under the careful direction of Interior Designers Polli Wood & Bec Ifould, this incredible home has been transformed into a truly stunning entertaining platform for our clients to enjoy, with unique design elements to celebrate the quirky retro style.

This project is very close to our hearts and we were so excited to be involved in the design and construction of such a unique and spectacular home. Stayed tuned for the final photo shoot.