The Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation
Victoria
Silhouette House is a finely balanced negotiation between preservation and innovation. Rather than imposing a new identity, the project engages in a thoughtful dialogue between past and present—retaining the existing home while introducing a bold, geometric extension that is both efficient and expressive.
A split-level design follows the natural fall of the land, seamlessly linking old and new while maximising space. The compact upper level contains two children’s bedrooms, accessed via a central timber stair with an open-decked landing that evokes a playful ‘tree-house’ feel. Below, the house expands into a voluminous kitchen, dining, and sunken lounge designed for shared engagement.
Cost-conscious yet generous, the project prioritises spatial efficiency, repurposing rather than rebuilding. Modest room sizes and shared amenities reduce excess, while passive design strategies—cross-ventilation, a thermal chimney, and thermal mass—enhance comfort and energy performance. Silhouette House is a home of quiet transformation, where restraint delivers both richness and longevity.