Manifesting the ‘backbone’ of the family home was the inspiration behind this Western Springs villa alteration.

106 Architects were engaged by the client to rejuvenate the growing family home whilst offering a more child-friendly, social and open layout, providing spaces to call home.

The Phase One concept centred on shifting the staircase, laundry and circulation into the centre of the house – taking these service areas and creating ‘the backbone’ that doubles as a light-filled gallery space.

To accentuate this new feature, and contrast the historic white character of the villa, timber was introduced; giving the space a touch of warmth. Above the stair, a new skylight brings natural light into the heart of the home.

The living area originally split into a series of formal entertaining rooms is opened up containing lounge, galley kitchen and dining area. The alternation also including modernising the bathrooms and lower ground floor as a future play area and guest bedroom.

Phase Two commenced in 2020.