Wooden Box House: Charming Extension Revamps Heritage Family Residence

In an attempt to transform an old Victorian home in the town of Ballarat into a more spacious and modern setting that meets the demands of a family of five, Mick and Jules Moloney of Moloney Architects turned to the idea of a wooden box extension. The dashing new addition in wood and glass sits at the rear of the heritage house leaving the street façade undisturbed. Yet, the old weatherboard home is seamlessly combined with the contemporary structure to create a cheerful synergy and a breezy living space that the entire family can enjoy.

Wooden-box-acts-as-a-rear-extension-for-heritage-Victorian-home — Wooden box acts as a rear extension for heritage Victorian home

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The Wooden Box House is all about combing contrasting styles, textures and finishes in an organic manner even while shaping an enjoyable social setting where kids and parents can interact without hindrance. The new living space in the rear along with the kitchen and dining flows into the courtyard while the existing traditional home holds the bedrooms and an architectural studio. Raw finishes of plywood and Formply are mixed with ceiling beams in Tasmanian oak to create intrigue and contrast.

Tasmanian-Oak-beams-add-additional-textural-beauty-to-the-interior — Tasmanian Oak beams add additional textural beauty to the interior

Folding-glass-doors-connect-the-wooden-box-with-the-rear-yard — Folding glass doors connect the wooden box with the rear yard

Dark backdrop of the kitchen enlivened using gorgeous indoor plants

Large-indoor-plant-in-the-corner-makes-a-big-visual-impact — Large indoor plant in the corner makes a big visual impact

Low-roof-creates-visual-boundary-between-old-and-new-structures — Low roof creates visual boundary between old and new structures

Revamped-living-room-with-a-cool-window-seat — Revamped living room with a cool window seat

Features like the kitchen island with cooktop and the relaxing window seat with built-in storage further encourage interaction between family members. Forging a fine balance between refined flair and informal ambiance, every little detail inside the Wooden Box is crafted to meet the specific needs of a modern family with an active lifestyle. [Photography: Christine Francis]