Surrounded by a combination of post war, federation and contemporary style houses, Malba was designed so as to continue to blend into the suburb’s housing vernacular. On approach, the front façade to the original house has been retained with the additions of renovations past cut off to make way for the new. The new addition has been designed to blend in with the existing, using smooth face commons. The simple black and white exterior brings this 1960s home into the 21st century.

Internally, the existing open plan entrance foyer, living and dining was retained and carpet removed to reveal the wandoo timber floorboards which were treated delicately with a light sand and oil finish. The spaces were transformed into an entry and study and front master bedroom. Cut outs to the central spine wall unveiled the existing spiral stair case which was careful removed during construction, sandblasted, repainted and re-installed with new balustrading, this becomes a feature as you enter the home. The location of the Kitchen was also retained and the south of house pushed out to create more space for a dining area and laundry and powder beyond. To the east a living room was added which opened up to an alfresco overlooking the refurbished pool. The material palette was kept quite neutral with pops of colour and texture featured in each space, reflecting the character of this homes’ occupants.