The brief for this project was to update the interior of this tiny 70 square meter Victorian era cottage in Hawthorn, Melbourne for a young couple and their Cavoodle puppy.
       The original cottage comprised only two rooms to the front, a small lounge beyond that and a compact kitchen and amenities zone to the rear which was contained within a pitched roof “lean-to” structure typical of houses of this era.
       Wishing to keep the original house intact, the two front rooms were retained, and the renovation is essentially contained within the existing service zone to the rear. The design of the space belies its diminutive size. By creating one open area servicing the kitchen, dining and living, the space afforded a sense of openness and connection to the garden and pocket park beyond which was lacking prior. The barrel vault ceiling detail serves a dual role—carrying the eye out to the beautiful tall gum trees to the rear yard and creating a point of interest in the otherwise lowered ceiling contained within the existing pitched roof.  
       The interior finishes and colour scheme is reminiscent of a traditional cottage interior, while surfaces have been selected to be hard wearing and enduring. Joinery has been cleverly utilised to provide just the right level of storage without overwhelming the space. The highlight obscure glazing to the shower room allows natural light into the wet areas while creating a source of ambient lighting within the kitchen & living area.