For a couple living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, their passion for contemporary architecture took shape in the form of a new addition onto their existing 1940’s style duplex. The Berri residence extension (named after the street upon which it resides) is architect Naturhumaine’s way of creating a new epicenter for the home. Continue reading →

Situated along a street in Highbury, North London, where each row house is a near-facsimile of the next, sits the Power House. This is a home that clearly screams “I’m different” at the top of it’s lungs. This Nordic-inspired refurbishment of an English town home, by Paul Archer Design, is a striking entry into the logbooks of 21st century modern living. From the outside, a vertical wood-slat facade is a far cry from the traditional brick structure it sits adjacent to. Yet somehow, it looks as though it is a natural extension to the pre-existing structure. Continue reading →

This bungalow transformation displays the many ways that design influences our daily lives. Naturehumaine architects were challenged with expanding this 800 square foot home. Their clients were hoping to add a second level, yet the original structure prohibited that option. Continue reading →

With a bit of luck in an agreeable planning commission and a talented architectural team, this Victorian home’s expansion and renovation lovingly marries new and old. Moloney Architects applied for and was granted permission to design an addition that could duplicate the original home’s four-meter high ceilings. This was a crucial element in crafting the gallery like space desired by the home owners. Continue reading →

A former convent’s prayers were answered and new life was injected in to the 1881 structure. Affleck de la Riva architects resurrected the historic structure in to the city hall and municipal offices. Valued as a symbol of the community the limestone masonry walls are a symbol of stability. With 1560 sq.m over three floors and more space within the copper clad mansard roof, it is a spacious city hall for the small farming community. Continue reading →

I love an expansion project that is a study in contrasts. This addition to a family home in Ivanhoe, Australia, is a fine example designed by Maynard Architects. In a neighborhood where houses span the width of their lots, let’s just say you’re cozy with your neighbors. In this particular house, the only way to expand was in to the garden. Fortunately, it’s a north facing garden so it’s the ideal location for the family’s open living space in this tropical climate. Continue reading →

In a dense urban fabric, a young family expecting twins was challenged by limited expansion options. Wishing to maintain their upstairs tenants, their only choice was to expand out in to the garden. Even that area was limited. They enlisted Naturehumaine Architects to resolve the spatial issues and create a dynamic home for their exuberant young family. Continue reading →

In a suburb of Melbourne, MAKE architecture expanded a family home brilliantly. The unusual roof lines that form the M actually mimic the original home’s double hip roofs. A flat roof section connects the new addition to the initial building. The minimal modern extension is sized to maintain as much garden space as possible. Facing south, it is also designed to capture northern light year round and shelter the interiors from the blazing summer sun. That’s a tall order and one fulfilled through the use of deep overhangs, high glazing, and sheltered courtyards. Continue reading →

A 20-year-old cottage in Ontario is brought in to the 21st century. Altius architecture designed an addition to the lakeside cottage that doubles its size, views, and versatility. Continue reading →

A 1960s Montreal residence is stretched in to the 21st century with mid-century lines. Thellend Fortin Architectes added a wealth of living space and light to the formerly one-level home. Notched in to the steep site, the two-story expansion is grounded by a contemporary limestone-sheathed gym. Outside, the narrow walk, pool, and terrace are clad in limestone. A wooden terrace and planter box wall add warmth, interest in their varying levels, and privacy. Continue reading →