How do you respectfully extend a heritage home without losing its soul? You give it a makeover with a contemporary twist that’s both bold and considered. Enter McPhail House: a home that struts the fine line between old-world charm and modern flair, all while soaking up as much light, space, and liveability as possible.
Tucked away in the leafy streets of Essendon, Wurundjeri Country, this Victorian weatherboard beauty still holds onto its original front rooms, keeping the heritage streetscape in check. From the street, the addition is all about playing it cool—moody, blackened, and letting the old home take centre stage. The single pitched roof and facade clad in black fins matches the angle and height of the original roof, but it isn’t afraid to be unashamedly mod.
But step inside, and BAM! The extension flexes its modern muscles, subtly extruding from the existing form and widening just enough to take full advantage of the site. The result? A seamless blend of past and present, wrapped in a monochromatic palette that lets textures and craftsmanship do the talking.
Given the site’s quirks—narrow, tight, and flanked by close neighbours—bringing in light and space was a must. The genius move? A north-facing atrium that floods the interior with sunshine and adds a spatial break in the floor plan. The design also cheekily borrows landscape views, making the home feel way bigger than it actually is.
Inside, warm, refined materials—think polished concrete floors, timber detailing, and repurposed weatherboard cladding—create a space that’s both stylish and welcoming. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area takes centre stage, a buzzing hub for connection and everyday life. Meanwhile, the OG front rooms hold onto their cosy, intimate charm, perfect for when you need a little retreat from the action.
McPhail House isn’t just about looking good—it’s got serious eco-cred, too. Passive solar design principles mean it stays comfy year-round. A massive roof overhang throws shade (literally) on the west-facing rear façade, while high-performance glazing, operable windows, and hydronic heating keep things cosy without guzzling energy. It’s also proudly gas-free, running on a solar hot water system and PV panels. Add in top-tier insulation and an insulated slab with hydronic heating, and you’ve got a home that’s snug in winter and chill in summer.
McPhail House is proof that small-footprint living can be big on style, comfort, and sustainability. This isn’t just a renovation—it’s a reinvention. A heritage home that knows its history but isn’t afraid to make a statement in the here and now.