A modest 1950s brick bungalow has been transformed into an architecturally-renowned, prize-winning home with a contemporary twist.
Before being extended with two ultra-modern pavilions, the original three-bedroom brick and tile house looked like some of the other, unassuming residences in the upmarket Canberra suburb of Forrest, a short walk from Parliament House and nearby embassies.
The owners of this 1951-built house on Empire Circuit wanted an addition that preserved Australia's architectural heritage.
A modest 1950s brick bungalow has been transformed into an architecturally-renowned, prize winning home with a contemporary twist
Before being extended with two ultra-modern pavilions, this house looked like some of the other, unassuming residences in the upmarket Canberra suburb of Forrest, a short walk from Parliament House and embassy quarters
They asked for a 'long-term family home that catches the sun' on this tree-lined street where cabinet ministers, MPs, diplomats and senior public servants are often seen going for a morning jog.
To fulfill their vision, Melbourne firm Austin Maynard Architects designed two new pavilions - connected by glass walkways - at the side and back of the L-shaped, post-war house.
The extensions, completed in January, included a new kitchen and dining area, lined inside with hardwood timber, and a new contemporary bedroom, featuring a floor to ceiling glass window overlooking the backyard.
The additions to the extended, four-bedroom Empire house were on Saturday night awarded the Canberra Medallion, the most prestigious architecture prize at the Australian Capital Territory Architecture Awards.
Judge Sarah Truscott, from the Australian Institute of Architects, praised the extension for retaining the original character of the 68-year-old bungalow, in an area of Canberra's inner-south designed by early twentieth century American architect Walter Burley Griffin.
'The architects have shown respect for Canberra's built heritage by preserving the best of the home and creating smart additional living spaces inside and out for all seasons,' she said.
The owners of this 1951-built house on Empire Circuit wanted to preserve Australia's architectural heritage. To fulfill their vision, Melbourne firm Austin Maynard Architects designed two new pavilions on either side of the L-shaped, post-war house, connected by glass walkways
The extensions, completed in January, included a new living area lined inside with hardwood timber and a new contemporary
