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Rara Architecture Add a Contemporary Monolith to Traditional Australian Home

Still hesitate expanding your long-time home? Look at what Rara Architecture came up with for the traditional home in Melbourne, Australia. From the outside, it looks as small and sweet as it can be, but out in the back it grows into an architectural monolith that adds space for the growing family.

Its small asymmetric fence is only low from the front. Immediately at the side it extends up to give privacy to the backyard.

Original building
Original building
Rara Architecture house renovation
Rara Architecture house renovation

Structure of the extension ensures there is plenty of square footage for kids rooms and play areas, open plan living areas and dining. At the same time, the new addition does nothing to intrude upon the original structure in any way. There is even a small inner courtyard between the two houses.

Since the structure is contemporary, fence at the back had to be higher to protect the residents’ privacy. Wide sliding glass doors and windows, overlooking the green lawn and deck, put a living room and industrial kitchen/dining on display.

Most of the new structure comes shut off from the outside world, aside from a small transom that allows some daylight into kids rooms. (Photography by Christopher Alexander & Alison McWhirter Photography)

Contemporary Monolith Extends a Traditional Home in Australia

Asymmetric fence
Asymmetric fence
Monolithic siding lends the house its name
Monolithic siding lends the house its name
Courtyard fenced for privacy
Courtyard fenced for privacy
A single transom breaks the monolithic shape of the house
A single transom breaks the monolithic shape of the house
Sliding glass doors is any contemporary home's staple
Sliding glass doors is any contemporary home’s staple
Acid-stained concrete makes for glorious flooring
Acid-stained concrete makes for glorious flooring
Cool living room window opens up a fenced corner
Cool living room window opens up a fenced corner
An architectural staircase makes a designing element in the hallway
An architectural staircase makes a designing element in the hallway
Elegant living room features exposed painted brick
Elegant living room features exposed painted brick
Another room features an unfunctioning fireplace
Another room features an unfunctioning fireplace
A small access to the courtyard
A small access to the courtyard
Glass inclusions
Glass inclusions
Bedroom features its own closet and a fireplace mantel
Bedroom features its own closet and a fireplace mantel
A more dramatic bath with a tiled feature wall
A more dramatic bath with a tiled feature wall
Sleek bath enjoys some daylight from the only transom
Sleek bath enjoys some daylight from the only transom
Play area
Play area
Kids room with a vaulted ceiling
Kids room with a vaulted ceiling
Kids room overlooks the backyard through a small transom
Kids room overlooks the backyard through a small transom
Industrial style kitchen works well with plywood wall divider
Industrial style kitchen works well with plywood wall divider
It features another wall that slides to give passage to pantry
It features another wall that slides to give passage to pantry
When it's closed, the kitchen turns into a dining room
When it’s closed, the kitchen turns into a dining room
Glass inclusions
Glass inclusions
Ambient lighting adds to the modest pendants over the dining table
Ambient lighting adds to the modest pendants over the dining table
Big glass inclusions overlook a green lawn
Big glass inclusions overlook a green lawn
WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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