Northcote Studio Renovation
Melbourne, Australia
After purchasing the property in late 2020, the clients planned a phased renovation to quickly settle into the home. Stage 1 involved a full kitchen and bathroom overhaul, along with skylights added to enhance natural light. This improved the property’s livability while avoiding the complexities of an extension.
During Melbourne's lockdowns, the need for a home office became clear. The existing garage, unsuitable for vehicle storage due to a narrow driveway, was repurposed as a studio for remote work. Stage 2 involved converting this detached structure, minimising disruption to the family. The studio also needed to accommodate guests, so a Murphy bed was integrated into the design.
The old garage door and small window were replaced with high-performance double-glazed timber-framed windows, flooding the space with natural light and connecting it to the garden. A built-in bench seat enhances the interior, while an external timber deck and steel awning create an inviting outdoor area. A small bike and garden storage area was added at the rear, with modular wall storage for efficient space use.
The existing concrete slab and masonry walls provide excellent thermal mass, supported by new insulation in the walls and roof. Openable sliding doors and windows ensure ventilation during warmer months, while a small electric heater—powered by the home’s solar system—keeps the space comfortable in cooler weather.
