This modernist-style house has undergone a remodel by the Office of Matthew Green Architects, located in Beaumaris, a beach-side suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Originally constructed in 1953, this family home has remained in its original form for over six decades. It is also one of the original homes in the suburb of Beaumaris and an excellent example of a Modernist style home from that period.

The new owners purchased the property a few years ago and were passionate about preserving the architectural integrity of the original 1,722-square-foot dwelling along with its surrounding mature-growth trees. Continue below to see the floor plans — before and after!

The scope of this project entailed the retention of as many of the character-defining elements as possible while incorporating an extension suitable for the contemporary needs of a modern family of two adults and three growing children.

This was achieved by preserving and remodeling the original distinct black and white timber-clad exterior facades, opening up and updating the original living areas, and sustaining the linear arrangement of the original bedrooms and hallway.

The dilapidated southern part of the dwelling was removed, which contained the bathroom and laundry areas. The original dining/kitchen area was replaced with a contemporary 12-foot high living/dining/kitchen space that connects to the new pool and outdoor entertaining areas via large panes of operable glazing.

On the interior, the new configuration purposefully reinforces the linearity of the original floor plan. The original hallway is retained as a central spine within the layout, with a fixed full-height window at its western end seamlessly connecting this axis with the garden beyond.

Around the communal areas, the axial arrangement is less obvious, freeform instead giving way to an open living area with connections to multiple outdoor spaces.

The architect’s design also introduces a central enclosed courtyard, a common feature of mid-century Modernist homes. This element complements a central focus within the floor plan that is already established by the original slate fireplace.

What We Love: This modernist house underwent an extensive remodel that honors the original structure, bringing it back to its original beauty to meet the lifestyle needs of its new owners. Overall, we are loving the finished result of this home update. It is warm and inviting with a wonderful open floor plan and strong indoor-outdoor connection thanks to large walls of glazing.

Note: What details in this midcentury renovation project do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!

Tell Us: Check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the country of Australia: Contemporary family dwelling nestled on the Sydney Harbour shore and Weatherboard cottage in Australia provides an amazing live/work atmosphere.

BEFORE THE RENOVATION

PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Gibson