Creating a home that feels both fresh and personal is never simple, yet that was exactly what MRTN Architects achieved with Rathmines House in Melbourne, Australia. Their clients, a family with three children, wanted a place where everyday life revolved around cooking, eating and spending time together. The answer became a contemporary extension that sits behind the original Victorian weatherboard home and gently reshapes how the family lives from morning to night.
The story begins in the old part of the house, where the architects reimagined the layout to support a new way of living. A hallway now links the historic rooms with the new addition and also provides access to a fresh bathroom and a functional laundry space.
In the bathroom, soft light falls on square blue tiles set neatly with white grout. A walk-in shower sits alongside a half-size bath, creating a compact but useful room designed with young children in mind.
Further along, the hallway opens into the new living, kitchen and dining area. This is where the entire vision comes to life. The space feels warm, social and easy to move through, thanks to the careful planning by the architects. Even though the room is open, each zone has a clear purpose.
An oversized built-in sofa inspired by the work of Donald Judd sits at the heart of the plan. It acts as both a gathering spot for family movie nights and a subtle divider between the kitchen and living area. At 3.7 metres long, it is generous enough for everyone to sit comfortably and still maintains a sense of connection across the room.
The kitchen takes centre stage, which is exactly what the family hoped for. It is anchored by a solid Spotted Gum countertop that forms the top of the island, giving the space a warm and natural feeling. When friends visit, the counter height back of the sofa becomes a place to rest a drink or lean in for conversation while the cooking continues.
At the far end of the addition, restaurant style banquette seating runs from the kitchen bench and wraps around the corner. Above it, a large window frames calming views of the trees outside. The banquette adds an intimate touch, making family meals and casual breakfasts feel relaxed and comfortable.
The dining area extends the social energy of the kitchen. Wood framed glass doors open the room to the backyard, where the family enjoys a brick patio, a pool and an open yard for the children to play. It creates a natural flow from the indoors to the outdoors, exactly what a busy family needs.
Taken together, the spaces form a home that reflects the life happening inside it. MRTN Architects delivered a thoughtful extension that supports cooking, conversation and simple everyday moments. It is a gentle transformation that turns a Victorian weatherboard into a true family base filled with warmth and purpose.