Petrie House

On a busy thoroughfare and hemmed in by sub-divided suburbia, this Mt Eden home had its challenges.

Architecturally designed in the 60s, the two-level property had a dated red-brick facade. It may have been something of an ugly duckling but its great bone structure was worth building on, so creating better liveability and a lot more street cred became the priorities.

Downstairs, which is devoted to the kids’ living and bedroom zone, the garage was incorporated into the floorplan to become a flexible rumpus room. On the upstairs entry level, the inefficient planning was redefined: some walls were moved, others removed.

The redefined living space now captures a real lightness of being: there’s a white galley-style kitchen, blonded timber floors and new wraparound glass sliders and windows which allow ever-present views of the serene, green courtyard. Upstairs too a powder room was added while the master bedroom became a study with a built-in desk and enough shelving to appease the most voracious bookworm.

The biggest change to the property was the construction of a secluded master suite in the courtyard. Accessed via a glazed link, the smart, contemporary addition is clad in anthracite zinc, its charcoal-black tone a contrast to the fresh white interior. Modern in mood, it not only turns its back on the neighbours but tucks into the boundary out of the sightline of the main home to allow the owners absolute privacy.

As for the original home, now plastered and painted in neutral tones, this 50-something gal has achieved timeless street appeal.