MID CENTURY MODERN
1956 MID CENTURY MODERN
SCOPE OF WORKS:
Restoration & renovation
THE LEGACYBuilt in 1956, the stone and glass house was designed in what later became known as Mid Century Modern style. With full height Carey Gully freestone walls spanning over the soaring two story expanse, expansive picture walls of timber-framed windows and a 'martini balcony' which overlooked the original pool, this was a style of architecture that took advantage of its steep site in a dramatic fashion.
THE BRIEF:
A mid century modern home in original, but tired condition, required delicate renovation to bring it up to date without losing its character from the 1956 build. The intention was to restore as much of the extant architecture as possible, whilst including contemporary conveniences such as better HVAC and insulation.
THE DESIGN RESPONSE:Originally built as a 2 bedroom home with a garage underneath, the lower level had been converted to self-contained accommodation in the 1970s. Blue Fruit inserted a custom-made steel spiral staircase and balustrade between the levels, to create a 3 bedroom home in a sympathetic style with the original steel balustrade on the balcony. The original bathroom was restored, involving re-polishing terrazzo flooring, re-grouting original tiles & replacing tapware with a similar Brodware range.The extant kitchen cabinets were restored, and the damaged original black laminate bench tops were replaced with era-appropriate stainless steel. Additional joinery was added to the kitchen, in a sympathetic style, to incorporate new appliances of dishwasher and ovens.Externally, the original front patio was screened with vertical timber battens on the front facade, to create a more secluded Alfresco area leading off the kitchen. Heavy duty commercial shade sails were installed to the front driveway, to provide shading for car parking. This provided a sculptural solution which works with - rather than concealing - the house's stunning stone gable wall which faces the streetscape. 
