Malvern House by Eliza Blair Architecture

Eliza Blair Architecture and Lou Prentice of LP Interiors were asked to rework a traditional weatherboard Edwardian, home to a family with three growing boys. Briefed to design a modern and functional extension well-connected to the outdoors, they’ve instilled a sense of calm among the chaos of family life. 

Upon entry through the bottle-green front door, framed by stained glass, the home reveals a contemporary, light-filled rear addition. Ornate architectural details and polished plaster walls throughout the original home have been maintained; the transition into the new extension marked by linear wall panelling.

The ground level plays home to the three children’s bedrooms, a colourful powder room, laundry, playroom and the open plan kitchen and living area. Catering to the bustle of family life, the laundry operates as a drop-off zone for shoes and school bags with a convenient laundry chute.

Opening out onto the backyard, the kitchen showcases a large freestanding Falcon oven and discreet butler’s pantry with functional utility space. An influx of natural light comes from the slot window kitchen splashback and sliding glass doors to the deck, allowing for constant supervision of the boys when they’re outside. In the living room, with vistas to the pool, Eliza Blair and her team added clever storage underneath the built-in window seat – perfect for the children’s board games and books. 

Eliza Blair Architecture director Eliza Blair says the internal footprint also needed to include the existing underground wine cellar. “While it was not in the most convenient location, it would be a wasted opportunity not to re-use,” she says. The underground wine cellar now sits under the living room, accessible via a concealed trap door within the floorboards.

A skylight and double-height void draw natural light to the central staircase while an open balustrade creates a seamless connection between both levels. Upstairs acts as a sanctuary for the parents, overlooking the manicured garden from the master bedroom and ensuite. Black steel fluted glass doors separate the shower from the bathroom, adjacent to the marble-clad double vanity. 

Eliza Blair Architecture and Lou Prentice of LP Interiors have designed a warm and welcoming home that revolves around the ever-changing needs of family life.