The Third

Residential
Alteration and Addition
2020
Whadjuk
Mt Lawley

Builder
Integrated Construction

Photographer
Dion Robeson

Styling
Matt Biocich

Structural Engineer
Reed Engineers

Energy Efficiency Assessor
Northern Aspect Energy Consultants

Building Surveyor
John Massey Group

Modern living room interior with a gray sectional sofa, large abstract artwork, indoor plants, and skylights. There is a wooden chair, a round table, and a bowl of fruit on a kitchen counter. The space features white brick walls, a ceiling fan, and large windows with sliding doors leading to an outdoor area with a fireplace.

Make it beautiful but with purpose

Having owned the property for several years, the owners of ‘The Third’ came to &Dalecki with a clear understanding of how their character home could better suit their needs. The constrained kitchen and dining room and separated living room did not serve the rituals of everyday living or entertaining for this family, which meant an open plan kitchen, living and dining space was essential. Establishing a meaningful connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as introducing natural light and ventilation, were also priorities.

The front portion of the home has been left mostly untouched, and by converting the original living room and a bedroom to create a master suite, the collection of front rooms is granted privacy. A new, spacious open plan kitchen, living and dining area has replaced the narrow kitchen and dining room at the rear of the house, creating an ideal space for family living as well as entertaining. Between these public and private zones is a new a multi-purpose activity room flanked by courtyards, maximising useable outdoor space.

An engaging connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces is established in this central zone; large windows offer a visual connection, while bench seats either side of the openings invite a mirrored experience between interior and exterior. Similarly styled fireplaces in the indoor living and entertaining area and the external ‘winter courtyard’ enhances the relationship between these spaces. The courtyards not only accommodate new living areas, but also act as important vehicles to draw refreshing airflow and natural northern light into the south-facing living area of the house.

The feature curved ceiling with exposed timber beams over the living and dining area brings a refined and elegant sensibility to the space while increasing the effect of natural light and air. Operable skylights flood the room with northern light and create a chimney effect, drawing in fresh air from ground level openings while allowing warm air to escape.

The refined expression of the curved ceiling exemplifies the pared-back approach to materiality, detailing and form of ‘The Third.’ Driven by a graduated approach between existing and new elements, design features reinterpret the characterful features of the original home with a contemporary accent. The result is a series of refined and comfortable spaces, evoking a sense of familiarity and a feeling of ‘home’.

Minimalist architectural section drawing of a building with trees on both sides.
Charming bungalow house with a red-tile roof, white picket fence, and lush greenery. A vintage car is partially visible under a covered carport.
Modern open-concept kitchen and living area with skylights, a white brick wall, light green cabinetry, a large kitchen island, wooden dining table, gray sectional sofa, and potted plants. The space features minimalistic decor and natural lighting.
Modern kitchen and dining area with light wood furniture, a white island with stools, a built-in oven, and minimalistic decor.
Modern kitchen with light gray cabinets, white countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas stove, artwork, and decorative items.
Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, white island, bar stools, fruit bowl, and skylights.
Minimalist kitchen cabinets with a matte green finish and a large circular wooden handle.
Modern living room with gray sectional sofa, colorful pillows, abstract art piece, indoor plants, white brick wall, and sliding glass doors.
Modern small courtyard with a white brick fireplace, large stepping stones, and climbing plants on a trellis. There are string lights overhead and a bench with an orange blanket.
Outdoor patio of a house with a red-tiled roof, featuring a wooden bench with cushions under a covered area. Two chickens are on the grass in the foreground, and a potted plant is beside the bench.
Woman relaxing on a wooden patio sofa with cushions, reading, with a small round table nearby, on a wooden deck, white brick wall backdrop, and ceiling fan above.
Minimalist interior with vertical white panels and wooden benches.
A modern outdoor patio with white walls featuring large windows and a built-in wooden bench. The ground is covered with irregular stone pavers and patches of soil where green plants are growing. A small tree is trained against a grid pattern on the wall, and an orange and white throw blanket is draped over the bench.
Modern house with orange tile roof, white brick walls, patio, sliding glass doors, outdoor seating, and chickens on the lawn.

From the Owners

We approached Janik to design an extension to our 3x1 federation home. From the first interaction we felt sure that he was the right building designer for our project. He was personable, professional and very easy to communicate with, and understood the goals we had for our renovation. We were after a modern extension that honoured the heritage of our home and was not “cookie cutter”.

The resulting design exceeded all our expectations, and Janik had such a clear vision of how everything fit together, with a considered reason for everything about the design. Throughout the process, from concept design to final design, council approval and the design documentation for tender and building permit, Janik was great to work with, getting back to us about things in the time-frame he said he would, answering all our questions, and patiently dealing with my indecision and need to understand everything.

We were so pleased with his services, we have now engaged with &Dalecki for a second project.

Leigh and Suzy