Next Door House 1

Residential

The first of two neighbouring post-war weatherboard houses renovated in Brunswick East.

Understanding the architectural delight and the historical context of these austerity houses has informed the design and led to value being placed on efficient footprint and layout. The designs celebrate the intrinsic properties of materials, finding a balance between the use of hand crafted details and conventional construction methods.

Maike Design bathroom with clawfoot bath and concealed timber door
Maike Design bathroom with large round mirror and wall hung vanity
Maike Design lounge opening onto courtyard garden
Maike Design navy blue kitchen with brass hardware and open kitchen shelving

The original floorplan of the house included a toilet visible from the front entry door.  Without moving the location of the bathroom, the layout was updated to provide a space that was private, calm and unique.  The entry into the bathroom is both concealed and celebrated by custom timber joinery. The joinery is detailed so the door is fully hidden as part of a textured timber wall when closed and a deep timber portal frames the entry when open.

The visual connection between the main living spaces and adjacent courtyard garden extend the sense of space beyond the physical enclosure of the rooms. These spaces can be used as one large communal area for the family to gather or separated off for individual use.

Maike Design creative workspace with textured rug, bookshelves and drawing board
Maike Design creative workspace with textured rug, bookshelves and drawing board
Maike Design study shelves and workbench
Maike Design nursery with hand made mobile and hand painted mural
Maike Design nursery with artwork, wicker chair and plants
Maike Design grey bedroom and timber furniture
Maike Design bedroom, hand made quilt, bedside table, lamp and grey walls
Maike Design lounge and kitchen. Grey couch and timber floors
Maike Design exterior weatherboard facade and stepping stones to entry
Styling: Beck Simon
Photos: Tess Kelly