Boon Wurrung/Bunurong of the Kulin Nation
Victoria
Set in Melbourne’s leafy south-east, Carcassonne sensitively transforms a 1920s heritage-listed home with a contemporary, light-filled addition. Previously obscured by a post-war flat, the original red-brick residence lacked documented history, allowing the architecture to redefine its spatial flow and strengthen connections to the underutilised front and rear gardens.
A stepped, north-facing extension now houses the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, its articulated roofline maximising natural light and accommodating an extensive solar array. Salvaged red brick bridges old and new, complemented by prefabricated metal cladding that enhances the addition’s interlocking roof forms. A striking, fortress-like entry—inspired by the walled city of Cité de Carcassonne—introduces a sense of fortification, tempering the addition’s exposure to the street.
Underpinned by passive design principles and strengthened by the collaborative relationship between architect, builder and landscape architect, Carcassonne offers a sensitive response to place, supporting an active, 360-degree usage of the site.
We chose the site because of the opportunity to create a bright, open living space that complemented the original Arts and Crafts period home. The outcome has far exceeded our expectations.
The main room is filled with moments of visual delight including reflections of the pool on the eaves or timber ceiling, or rainbows cast by the feature-window on the concrete floor. The living spaces work equally well for quiet family time as they do for entertaining large groups. We love having revived the period home and retained its features and seeing these seamlessly flow through to the modern addition.
Fiona Dunin, Design Architect
Jayme Collins, Project Architect
Eulalie Trinca, Graduate of Architecture
Fady Ghabbour, Graduate of Architecture
Puya Malek, –
Robert Kolak, Design Detailer
Patrick Tran, Graduate of Architecture
Oscar Eltringham-Smith, –
OPS Engineers, Structural Engineer
KPLA Landscape Architects, Landscape Consultant
Makao, ESD Consultant