clare cousins adds elevated pavilion extension to mornington house in australia

clare cousins adds elevated pavilion extension to mornington house in australia
all images by shannon mcgrath

designed by melbourne based architect clare cousins, this timber-clad home in mornington, victoria adopted the strategy of designing a pavilion-like building to sit adjacent to the original home as an extension. the existing structure is a 1970’s merchant builder’s home located on a sloping hill and instead of demolishing or renovating, additional accommodation is housed inside the timber structure which has been elevated to re-establish ocean views.

instead of modifying the existing structure, a pavilion was created to house the additional rooms

the addition includes a new master bedroom wing with living room and deck for outdoor dining that frame distant views of port philip bay. planning regulations permit only first floor structures that are located over car parking or storage areas which informed the elevated ‘stilt’ design. the interiors continue the timber material palette which is used holistically, while an enclosed circulation stair clad in translucent polycarbonate connects the original to the new structure.

a polycarbonate door connects the existing home to the new structure

the new pavilion includes a new master bedroom wing with living room and deck

timber construction is used holistically both internally and externally

due to its elevation, the scenic views have been re-established

the timber-wrapped entrance to the new addition

in comparison to the extension, the existing single storey house is sited at the rear with limited ocean views

the extenstion at night