Sumner Villa Extension

Context

The owners of a restored heritage villa needed additional living space that would complement the character of their home while providing a modern, open-plan lifestyle.

Problem

Extending a heritage home without undermining its character. The new addition needed to feel connected to the original house while being distinctly contemporary, and the site geometry constrained the footprint.

Constraints

Heritage sensitivity of the existing building, site boundaries limiting the extension footprint, and the need to integrate indoor-outdoor flow with the existing garden and street context.

Design Decisions

A contemporary rear extension was chosen to clearly distinguish new from old. Extensive glazing was used to flood the interior with light and connect to the garden. A cantilevered concrete balcony provided outdoor living without consuming ground-level space.

Technical Execution

The extension houses new living, dining, and a master bedroom with ensuite. The cantilevered balcony required careful structural engineering. A water feature was integrated into the landscape to create a transition between old and new volumes.

Outcome

The project earned gold recognition at a national building awards ceremony, validating the approach of pairing heritage restoration with bold contemporary design.