Brunning House: a dialogue between heritage and modernity
Tucked away in Balaclava, Melbourne, Brunning House exemplifies a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary design. The project, undertaken by Design by AD transformed a quaint weatherboard cottage into a modern family home, where thoughtful contrasts in form, light, and texture celebrate the relationship between old and new.
As outlined by Design by AD, the vision for the house centred on retaining the charm of the original structure while expanding its footprint to meet the needs of a growing family. By extending upwards and outwards, the architects introduced a two-storey volume to the rear of the home. This addition houses a generous open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area that seamlessly connects to the backyard through expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing. Above, a cantilevered main bedroom with an ensuite rests like a dark silhouette against the skyline, subtly asserting its presence while respecting the home’s heritage frontage.
A seamless transition
The design is rooted in contrast: a dialogue between light and dark, old and new. While the original cottage retains a lighter, airy palette that pays homage to its historical roots, the new extension embraces darker tones, creating a quiet strength that anchors the site. This darker palette flows both internally and externally, softened by natural textures and carefully curated textiles.
One of the most striking features of the design is the transition between these two architectural languages. Timber flooring in the original section gives way to polished in-situ concrete in the new addition, subtly marking the boundary between eras.
Natural light is integral to the design, with the architects addressing the challenge of the narrow site through clever planning. A central staircase, constructed with open treads, allows light to cascade through the space, becoming both a functional and sculptural element. This interplay of transparency and materiality ties the home together, ensuring light filters into even the most secluded corners.
In focus: PermaTimber
To complement the home’s bold architectural gestures, PermaTimber’s CX Castellated Cladding in Ebony was selected for the exterior of the extension. Its sleek, linear design adds a sense of depth and dimension, while its natural aesthetic harmonises with the surrounding environment.
This cladding enhances the visual appeal and simultaneously contributes to the home’s functionality. Durable and low-maintenance, PermaTimber’s composite materials are well-suited to Australia’s climate, ensuring the home retains its striking appearance over time. The material’s eco-friendly composition, made with 87% recycled materials, aligns with the sustainable ethos embedded in Brunning House’s design approach.
A home designed for connection
Brunning House transcends the conventional definitions of renovation. It is a celebration of layered histories and forward-thinking design, where every detail – from the flow of spaces to the selection of materials – reflects a commitment to both function and beauty.
The home’s success lies in its duality: a light-filled haven for family life that also respects its heritage. The dark, recessive extension intentionally fades from the streetscape, allowing the original cottage to take centre stage. Yet, as visitors move through the home, the seamless transition into the modern extension reveals a new narrative, one that embraces openness, connection, and the future.
As noted by AD Design Develop, Brunning House navigates the challenges of a narrow site through strategic planning, ensuring every corner of the home benefits from natural light and a seamless connection to the outdoors.
For architects and designers, Brunning House is a reminder of the power of thoughtful contrasts in materials and form. It demonstrates how contemporary interventions can honour the past while setting the stage for decades to come.
