The original house was designed by architect and football legend Jack Clarke in 1963 for the family of his structural engineer. Designed in the optimistic modern style of the time being advanced by Robin Boyd and The Age’s Small Homes Service, which Jack Clarke contributed to at the time. My clients purchased the home as they are enthusiastic fans of this style of architecture and were keen to preserve a part of this important history.

Our design reimagines the original home through the lens of the source images that most likely was a source of inspiration for Jack Clarke. Referencing photographs taken by Julius Shulman of fifties and sixties West Coast architecture we developed a palette appropriate to the time while making only minor changes to the outward appearance of the house. Although outwardly unchanged the design extends the size and ceiling heights of the original bedrooms through re-modelling the roofline and an ensuite is been added.

The kitchen and dining spaces have been recreated and connected to a new outdoor terrace with a pergola over. The natural clay-fired clay tiles, American walnut veneer and cedar lining boards were selected for their nostalgic connection to the period. The design incorporates original features and materials to create an almost seamless result that leaves one wondering where the old has been replaced by the new. The home is now well placed for the optimism of the new owners and preserved for many years to come.

Photography: Derek Swalwell