Mischa's Place by Circle Studio Architects
A modest weatherboard cottage in Melbourne’s inner-west is re-designed by Circle Studio Architects, creating a warm and retro inspired interior.
Words: Hande Renshaw | Photography: Jade Cantwell
The interior palette is restrained and limited to timber finishes to maintain warmth in the space. Photo: Jade Cantwell
Both decks are visible from the communal areas, so that the indoor-outdoor living connection is always in view. Photo: Jade Cantwell
The kitchen space was opened up to further improve the quality of interior, letting in natural light and adding visability through the spaces. Photo: Jade Cantwell
Designed by Circle Studio Architects, Mischa’s Place, in Melbourne’s inner-west, is an extension to an existing weatherboard cottage with retro vibes, brimming with personality.
One of the main intentions for the redesign was on highlighting the characterful features throughout the interior, making the most of the home’s charm and warmth.
‘A standout feature is the mix of old and new in this project, especially in the kitchen and dining area. In most projects we undertake, these spaces are the first to be updated and very little, of any of the original remains,’ says Circle Studio Architects.
The changes to the interior spaces have remained sympathetic to exisiting elements, creating a gradual transition from the existing part of the house to the new addition, connecting the spaces.
‘Our favourite view is from the living room looking right out to the garden where you see the transition from old to new in one vista. This really shows off the different eras the house went through, and it is fresh while also embracing the quirks,’ say the architects.
The initial brief was to add a bedroom and en suite to the rear of the residence. An existing narrow sunroom was demolished in response, making way for the new pitched-roof volume.
Timber joinery became the key to blending spaces together, as well as to add warmth into the interior. ‘Timber has a lovely warmth to it and was already present in the existing features such as the floors – as a material it can be both retro and contemporary, and felt appropriate when tying different areas together.’
The internal palette was kept minimal, allowing the owner’s details to shine, ‘We wanted to work with a restrained palette as the home already had so many personal details, interesting artwork and furnishings which we didn't want to overpower.’
The open kitchen space – the new bench top unifies the old kitchen with new joinery, which wraps around to the new part of the house. Photo: Jade Cantwell
“Our favourite view is from the living room looking right out to the garden where you see the transition from old to new in one vista.”
Painting on bench by Mischa Merz and paintings on upper shelf by Jackie Ralph. Photo: Jade Cantwell
A bedroom with a pitched-roof volume and en suite were added to the residence rear. Painting in left image by Minna Leunig. Photo: Jade Cantwell
A bedroom with a pitched-roof volume was added to the rear of the residence. Photo: Jade Cantwell
A high level window in the bathroom brings in extra natural light to the space. Photo: Jade Cantwell
“The extension was originally conceived as a ‘cabin’ in the garden and we wanted to embrace the simple pitched roof in both the interior and exterior and use a natural material for the cladding.”
An existing deck was retained and extended off the kitchen space. Photo: Jade Cantwell
A new deck was created, leading off the bedroom space and opening to the west. Photo: Jade Cantwell