Cereus House
Peeking out above a 1915 Edwardian cottage sits a white curved shell, a contemporary extension to a weatherboard home. Cereus House brings light, height and flow to the existing dwelling through the addition of two curved forms that overlook the north-facing backyard. This project brings an ageing house to modern day standards, showing that with a little TLC, an old home can be thermally comfortable and solid.
The key driver was to create bright and flowing volumes as a contrast to the existing heritage home. Curved rafters, normally used for bullnose verandahs, are scaled up and re-imagined in the roof structure, and exposed like ribs in the ceiling.
The existing 109-year-old home was stripped, insulated and doubled glazed. The floor of the weatherboard house was completely replaced, with a concrete slab to ensure structural integrity, better thermal mass, and longevity for both old and new parts of the home. Passive design principles were also employed - the balcony acting as an eave over the north-facing windows, and cross ventilation allowing for good air flow in the key living areas. On a hot day, the house feels well shaded and cool.
Details
PROJECT TYPE: Renovation
LOCATION: Seddon
COMPLETION: 2024
BUILDER: Metacon Constructions
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jade Cantwell
STYLIST: TRES Stylist
FURTHER READS:
Grand Designs Australia Issue 13.2
The Design Files, ‘A Light Bright snd Flowing Edwardian Makeover’
Dezeen, ‘Circle Studio Architects adds curved extension to Melbourne cottage’
RECOGNITION: Grand Designs House 2025 of the Year Shortlist
“We did not want a giant black box attached to a heritage home so the elegant yet less obtrusive extension is pleasing to the eye every time we come home. In fact we are less inclined to leave home because it is a nice place to hang out.
The connection with the garden via the large sliding double glazed doors means we can enjoy the garden no matter what the weather is like because the insulation makes a very comfortable space. And when the weather is moderate, the connection to the garden is even more intimate.”