the Cube house Melbourne

From the front, this house presents as a typical Edwardian terrace. But turn the corner, and the setting instantly transforms from heritage to contemporary. Located in Kew Melbourne, the property belongs to a young couple and their two children whom wanted to create something extraordinary. Carr Design Group aspired to create a robust extension that was completely different from the original architecture.

From the street, the new extension appears as a big concrete box. Step beyond the fence, however, and you will notice a simple arrangement of two rectangular forms stacked behind the retained section of the original terrace. The top form slightly cantilevers over the ground form, creating eaves for privacy and shade. Inside, open plan living spaces occupy the ground floor. Referencing the external facade, the kitchen is monolithic in form with plenty of storage. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame the back garden, blurring the threshold between inside and out.

The material palette is pared back and honest. Timber floors in the front of the house provide texture and warmth. Steel framed black windows and white walls play off the concrete floors enthusing the space with an industrial aesthetic. Externally, there is an uncomplicated rawness. Enveloped in a natural grey render, the striking form will age and develop beautifully over time.