Magnolia Residence
Magnolia Street, North Perth
A Federation-era home with room to grow. A couple with plans to start a family. A unique renovation in the heart of North Perth.
The owners of this North Perth home fell in love with its Federation-era charm. With plans to start a family, they wanted a renovation which would not only add room, but also give them spaces to cherish together into the future.
Our design opens up the rear of the home with a spacious, light-filled, single-storey addition. The external timber cladding wraps under the eaves and continues through to the interior surfaces, uniting the open-plan common living areas with the outdoor spaces. Large sliding doors make it easy to open these areas up to the north-facing courtyard and remodelled terraced garden. We made the most of the limited vertical space with the playful use of blockwork, creating bands and articulation both inside and outside. Blackbutt timber in window frames, doorframes and cabinetry transitions gently through to the jarrah flooring and details of the original home. The combination of natural timber with the industrial concrete blocks and flooring also gives the new spaces an earthy, modern feel, which the owners loved.
The functional elements of the home were crucial for a growing family, but it was important that they not detract from its Federation-era character. The carport has a sleek, flat design with slender-profile columns, to keep it from obscuring the front of the home. The contemporary laundry, scullery and study areas are tucked away behind ‘secret’ black-panelled doors, and French doors allow the front of the house to be easily secluded away from the family and entertainment areas. Beautiful furnishings and window treatments by Jane Ledger Interiors complement the architecture perfectly and add the finishing touches to the design.
Invisible from the street, our addition gives this traditional house new life as a welcoming, contemporary family home. The owners have maintained the character home they love and created a warm, light-filled space to share together – with plenty of room for a couple of new additions of their own.