In St Kilda West, Melbourne, an 1890s Federation house has been given a striking new update by Lucy Clemenger Architects together with Studio Stamp. Positioned on a leafy street beside Jacoby Reserve, the heritage home had already been renovated several times over the years, but this latest transformation completely changes how the house feels and functions.
The project combines restored original spaces with a modern rear addition that brings in more light, stronger connections to the outdoors, and a relaxed city beach-house atmosphere. While the original Federation character remains visible throughout the home, the new extension introduces a softer coastal-inspired palette and contemporary materials that feel perfectly suited to its Melbourne location.
The White-Toned Timber Facade That Faces the Park
One of the most eye-catching features of the renovation is the rear extension. Instead of leaving the blackbutt timber facade in its natural color, the architects applied an ice white finish that gives the home a softer coastal appearance.
The new structure angles slightly to follow the curve of the rear laneway and projects outward above the green plunge pool below. From the park side, the upper level appears to float above the glazed lower floor, creating a bold contrast against the older Federation house.
A timber shroud wraps around the upper section of the addition, offering privacy from neighboring homes while still framing views into the nearby park through a large picture window. The design allows the homeowners to look directly toward the surrounding trees while filtering light throughout the interior.
Warm Materials Shape the Interior
Inside the home, the material palette ties the old and new sections together. Timber appears throughout nearly every room, bringing warmth and texture into the spaces.
Terracotta tiles, timber lining boards, pale oak floors, oak joinery, deep sea green tiles, and soft Carrara marble all contribute to the relaxed atmosphere. The combination feels natural and welcoming, while also giving the home a refined finish.
The use of pale timber and light finishes helps brighten the interiors, especially in the newer open-plan spaces where large expanses of glazing pull daylight deep into the home.
Open-Plan Living That Extends Outdoors
At the back of the house, the kitchen, dining, and living areas open completely toward the outdoor deck and plunge pool. Integrated sliding doors create a seamless transition between inside and outside, making the entertaining space feel much larger.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames views of the surrounding greenery and nearby park, while also filling the interiors with natural light. The open-plan layout was designed to create a more relaxed way of living, with every space flowing easily into the next.
The plunge pool adds another layer to the design, introducing a bold green color that echoes some of the tiled details used throughout the home.
A Hidden Bar Adds a Fun Surprise
The living room includes a feature that many guests probably would not expect. Tucked behind what appears to be a standard closet is a concealed home bar complete with a small fridge, bottle storage, and shelving for glassware.
It is a playful addition that blends functionality with entertaining, while also helping the open-plan space remain visually clean and uncluttered when the bar is closed away.
Original Rooms Still Hold Their Character
Although the rear extension introduces a contemporary look, parts of the original Federation house still maintain their own identity.
One room has been decorated almost entirely in shades of blue, giving it a softer and more intimate atmosphere compared to the brighter open-plan living areas. Elsewhere, another room has been transformed into a home office, creating a quiet workspace separated from the social areas of the house.
These retained rooms help preserve the layered history of the home while adapting it for modern living.
A Walk-In Closet Designed for Fashion Storage
The renovation also introduced a spacious walk-in closet connected to the master suite. Designed to store the homeowner’s extensive fashion collection, the room includes generous storage and custom joinery.
The addition of the dressing space brings a more luxurious feel to the private areas of the house while also improving functionality for everyday use.
A Bathroom With Bold Green Details
One of the bathrooms pairs soft neutral finishes with darker accents for a simple but striking look. A dark green vanity stands out against light gray square wall tiles and a crisp white basin.
The contrast between the colors adds depth to the compact space while tying back to the green tones used elsewhere throughout the project, including the plunge pool and tiled finishes.
By combining restored Federation-era details with a bright contemporary addition, Lucy Clemenger Architects and Studio Stamp created a home that embraces its St Kilda West location through coastal-inspired finishes, expansive glazing, and strong connections to the neighboring park.
From the white blackbutt facade and green plunge pool to the warm timber interiors and hidden bar, every part of the renovation adds another layer to the story of this Melbourne home.