Bent Architecture has completed a stunning renovation of Eaglemont House, a single-story Edwardian residence in Eaglemont, Australia, that explores the intricate relationship between a home, its natural environment, and the people who inhabit it. The 230-square-meter project reimagines a heritage dwelling that had been compromised by a poorly conceived previous extension, replacing it with a thoughtfully designed addition that prioritizes natural light and connection to the surrounding landscape.
The original dwelling suffered from a dark, south-facing extension that created an uninviting and damp outdoor entertaining space due to its poor orientation. Recognizing both the site's potential and the original Edwardian house's inherent charm, lead architect Paul Porjazoski and his design team, including Alice Davies and technical team member Michael Germano, developed a comprehensive solution that would foster a healthier, more connected living environment while embracing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The architectural program carefully balances the existing and new spaces to create a harmonious whole. The original dwelling has been meticulously refurbished to accommodate the home's private areas, including multiple bedrooms and a master suite complete with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in robe. The new extension houses the primary communal living areas, featuring an open-plan kitchen, dining room, and living spaces, along with a well-appointed laundry and family bathroom.
Strategic positioning plays a crucial role in the design's success. The laundry and bathroom are thoughtfully located near the threshold between the old and new sections of the house, in areas with naturally limited light exposure. In contrast, the main living spaces are positioned to face east and north, capturing abundant natural sunlight throughout the day and providing seamless access to the garden through strategically placed floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors.
The extension's defining feature is its use of bagged masonry walls, which serve multiple functions beyond mere aesthetic appeal. These substantial walls not only delineate the various living spaces but also contribute significantly to the home's thermal mass, helping to regulate the interior climate and maintain comfort throughout Australia's varying seasonal conditions. The exposed bagged brickwork creates a tactile connection that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, establishing a visual and physical link between the home and its natural surroundings.
Double glazing throughout the extension enhances the building's thermal performance, making the home more energy-efficient while preserving unobstructed views of the outdoors. The use of bluestone paving, a material deeply rooted in Melbourne's architectural vernacular, further strengthens the transition between interior and exterior spaces, creating a seamless flow that connects the home to its outdoor entertaining and recreational areas.
The exterior treatment of the extension features rough-sawn hardwood cladding that functions as both protective covering and decorative screen over high-level east and west-facing windows. The natural texture and warm color of the timber establish a visual dialogue between the house and the surrounding treetops, reinforcing the home's integration with its natural environment and creating a sense of harmony with the established landscape.
A distinctive clerestory roof form incorporates strategically placed north-facing high-level windows that allow Melbourne's precious mid-winter sunlight to penetrate deep into the heart of the home. This design ensures that interior spaces remain bright and welcoming even during the city's cooler months when natural light becomes particularly valuable. The dramatic raked ceilings in both the kitchen-dining area and family bathroom further enhance the sense of openness and spatial quality throughout the home.
According to the architects, this project embodies their fundamental belief that a healthy home must achieve a careful balance between protection and prospect. The design offers necessary shelter from external elements while maintaining meaningful engagement with the natural environment. At Eaglemont House, this philosophy creates spaces that are simultaneously nurturing and expansive, with interiors that feel protected from harsh weather conditions yet remain continuously inspired by the surrounding landscape.
The completed project represents a harmonious dialogue between the renovated home and its suburban context. By replacing a problematic addition with a thoughtfully designed extension that prioritizes natural light, thermal comfort, and indoor-outdoor connection, Bent Architecture has demonstrated how sensitive renovation can breathe new life into heritage homes while respecting their original character and enhancing their relationship with the landscape.
