Coogee apartment

The renovation and extension of this 1930s duplex by Virginia Kerridge Architect saw a double height box added behind the building extending the lower floor apartment. The contemporay space provides a kitchen dining area above and an intimate sitting area that opens to a pool. "The concept behind the scheme was to leave the existing building in close to original condition with the addition being treated as a “box” for living in..." Please Santa. I've been a good girl this year. Could you leave an extension just like this behind my house this Christmas morning?

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MAKE, reuse and respect

A Californian Bungalow trapped in a 50s time warp has been given new life by Melbourne based MAKE architecture. Reminders of the house's past link to the new. Where possible materials were reused in the renovation and the new layout allows flexible use of the rooms including a sunroom once considered as wasted space.

"This project goes against the too common 'gut-and-re-build' approach to interior projects. Rather than totally strip the interior, the existing building and its past lives are treated carefully and with respect. The renovation is considered as another layer to the life of the house rather than as a whole new story."

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Covet Garden - a modern Victorian

I seem to be a little slow trying to keep up with the latest in blogs, magazines etc. these days, but I was grateful last night to catch up on the last couple of issues of one of my favourite online magazines, and Canadian to boot, Covet Garden. Last month's issue ROCKED, featuring the Toronto home of Shaun (co-owner of a shop selling handmade works by mostly Canadians) and Todd (owner of a flower shop). It's an 1875 Victorian that they have spent 13 years renovating, and pimped it out with an eclectic mix of mid-century (ie. grandma's couch) and modern furniture and art. Now this is an inspiring and creative home! 

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The cowshed

On a street corner in once gritty inner Sydney suburb sat the remains of an old cowshed, brick and timber standing against the ravages of time. From another era and another way of life the building should not have survived as the surrounding suburb was gentrified. The new owners turned to architects Carter Williamson to save it. Not as a time capsule though but as a vibrant and lively modern home perfect for family and friends, for entertaining or for retreating from the hustle and bustle of the big, brash city.

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A renovated apartment in Shanghai

Artekt is an architecture and design agency with offices in Paris and Shanghai. This is their renovation of a tired and typical Shanghai apartment into a stylish contemporary space. The before and afters are amazing. I'm particularly taken with the bathroom transformation and the entrance/dining bar/lightbox is a clever use of the space. Bold colour adds warmth and clean lines improve the flow of the small apartment. Great to see design from this part of the world!

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