An Australian Family Found a Clever Way to Expand Their Beloved Home

An Australian couple with two young children had a problem: they needed more space, but they didn't want to undergo a time-consuming renovation or move into a larger address. Luckily, Melbourne-based firm Make Architecture had a solution that didn't involve any big changes. It simply involved creating a modern addition. "This project looks at how a modest alteration can make a positive impact on the way a family lives," architect Melissa Bright said. The team devised a new wing with a double-hipped roof and expansive windows to match the original building, and positioned the kitchen, dining, and living areas inside. They purposely left the new living area as small as possible to retain the backyard — a must-have for the little ones — and carved out a courtyard between the main house and the addition where the clan could gather outside. "The new living space has provided this family with a light-filled area to come together and share daily life," said Bright. And all of it could be achieved without upending too much of their beloved property.