Redefining a Classic: New Homes

— By Tamra Carr

A federation-style house in West Leederville has been given a stunning new lease on life, with AMG Home Builders undertaking a 24-month renovation project to bring the home into this century.

Completed last month, the abode was improved by a modern, architecturally inspired two-storey rear extension and a full restoration to deliver a sense of sharp luxury to what was previously a tired-looking home.

Framed from the street by its traditional frontage which lets on little of the modern luxuries to come as you pass through, the extension added two bedrooms to the home, along with a renovated kitchen with a scullery and a spacious free-form living area opening out to a generous alfresco and shimmering swimming pool.

AMG Director Adam Spadaccini said the now five-bedroom home had been brought into a new are - recapturing its former flory and building on it by channelling space and light through its new additions.

“The owners wanted the existing home, built around the turn of the century, restored to its former glory,” he said.

“Roxby Architects were engaged to transform the existing home and create a new space for this growing family of four.”

The resulting transformation combines the character and charm of eras gone by with modern luxury design by way of cubic forms and soaring ceilings to the rear.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the free-form living area, where a void combines with floor-to-ceiling window panels looking out to the backyard to create a space grand in both substance and style. Feature pendant lighting hangs from above, offering a modern elegance unimaginable within the physical confines of the original home.

Darker metallic detailing gives the windows to the living space an industrial touch, while an ultra-modern fireplace offers a direct contrast to the traditional fireplaces retained in rooms to the front of the room.

Looking over the living space, the kitchen is minimalistic and classy, with ample bench and cupboard space for appliances, and the scullery a hidden spot where clutter can be cleared when entertaining.

Its dark cabinetry contrasts with the European oak floorboards which flow throughout the area - a natural tone against a clean and sleek white palette. The existing home’s floors are jarrah with a Japanese black stain.

Upstairs, the two added bedrooms enjoy ample space, with the level taking in views of the living area and backyard.

The contrast between the addition and the front of the home - carefully restored to retain ornate and era-specific character elements - demonstrates the best of both worlds.

Mr Spadaccini said the project was a huge job, and the

resulting build told the story of a home transformed.

“This was a huge renovation and extension, blending yesteryear with all of today’s modern conveniences, such as large open voids to the main living areas, acoustic panelling, automatic external louvres, floating stairs and timber flutes and skylights to capture natural light, just to name a few improvements,” he said.

“The existing home had serves its previous owners well, but it was tired and need a full restoration.”