Bunurong Boon Wurrung
Victoria
Sandringham House is a finely crafted west‑wing addition to a Victorian home in Sandringham, transforming a modest suburban backyard into a serene master retreat. The 67‑square‑metre extension unfolds as a gallery‑like walk‑in wardrobe leading to a sunlit bedroom and ensuite, framing long views to the garden while preserving the primacy of the original house.
Deep forest green linings, finely detailed joinery and exposed handmade brickwork reference the existing dwelling yet clearly express the new work as a contemporary layer. Carefully tuned roof angles, deep western eaves, retractable external shutters and double‑glazed bronze‑framed windows underpin a passive environmental strategy, achieving a 6‑star NatHERS rating with highly insulated walls and roof.
The result is a compact, future‑proof pavilion that balances character and calm, demonstrating how small, well‑considered additions can extend the life, performance and everyday delight of Melbourne’s heritage housing stock.
When we first approached Southmarc, we felt overwhelmed by renovating and unsure how to create a private retreat within our busy family home. What we have now has exceeded every expectation. Our bedroom feels like a serene hideaway in the heart of the garden. Calm, quiet and deeply grounding. Each morning, the shifting light and connection to nature still take our breath away. The colour, inspired by the garden and my Irish roots, feels personal and timeless. It’s a space that doesn’t just look beautiful; it genuinely feels good to live in.