From the street, it’s still a charming 1930s bungalow, but from the back this home in Northcote, Melbourne, encapsulates the very latest in modern open plan and indoor-outdoor living. Having undergone a recent two-level extension, the home now features a large open plan kitchen, dining, and living space, an upstairs adult’s retreat and a linked studio apartment.

Designed to highlight the home’s close proximity to neighbouring All Nations Park, the rear extension has taken full advantage of expansive Alspec glazing and framing products to emphasise light and views on each of the new levels.

Upstairs the apex design of the roof, which required large glazing panels, took advantage of the qualities of Alspec’s ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing. The ecoFRAMEplus is known for its robust framing, which offers secure glazing with excellent weathering credentials. The fixed framing was teamed with large-panelled ProGlide High Performance Sliding Doors, which provide access to the full length balcony. The combination of the two window framing and door products ensures the retreat is bathed in natural light, maximising the stunning views of the leafy treetops of the adjoining parkland.

At ground level, the aim was to ensure the interior living areas could be easily integrated with the outdoor barbeque, garden and pool areas. ProGlide High Performance Sliding Doors were again chosen, based on their ability to easily span the larger opening and floor to ceiling height. When opened, the doors have the effect of offering a natural flow to the adjoining studio building, as well as the garden and outdoor entertaining areas. The final touch was to finish the window and door framing products in Dulux Monument Black to complement the extension’s redbrick and black wood colour palate.

The application of thoughtful design and the right products has transformed this older home into one which is now well equipped to meet the diverse demands of modern family living.

Architect: Hazel Porter of Woods Bagot
Builder: MLS Built
Alspec Fabricator: Integrity Glazing Innovation
Colour: Dulux Monument Matt
Photography: Dylan James

Alspec Products Used:
ProGlide® High Performance Sliding Door
ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing