You've probably heard of flipping houses - buying a house, renovating and styling it for a profitable resale. While this Malvern renovation designed by Detail 9 Architects would surely lead to a profitable resale, the flipping at Clinker Charm has more reorienting the house. With a living area facing a busy road, a separate and congested kitchen and an under-utilised backyard, this home needed flipping...
"Like most homes of the 1950’s and 60’s where all of the living areas face the street, this house was no exception. Added to that was the fact that this house is on a busy main road – the old layout of this home just wasn’t working for the owners, and times needed to change." - Detail 9 Architects
The existing kitchen was tucked away at the back of the house, seperate from the living areas - not ideal for entertaining. Added to this frustration was the fact the kitchen formed a major thoroughfare with three entrances/exits.
"The clients' brief to us was to give them additional living space, in an open plan format with great connectivity to the private and secure rear yard. The existing bathroom needed a freshen up, and a new ensuite, butler’s pantry and laundry were also on the ‘wish list’."
The client had a special attachment to the home. It was, in fact, their childhood home. The architects were careful to preserve the charm of their client's childhood home, but ensure that it was functional for 21st Century family living.
Outside a new deck connects the new living area to the garden. Old and new are designed mesh together comfortably. The new part of the home is clearly defined with modern clean lines clad in cement sheet, but elements of the new have also been incorporated into the old clinker brick facade to tie the two styles together.
Clinker Charm reorients a home that no longer worked effectively for a modern family, reconnecting it with the garden. With minimal intervention, the redesign has transformed the home without costing too much. In the process, the original charm of the home - so important for the owner - has been maintained.