ELWOOD

Words by Stephen Crafti

JUNE 2026

Combining two lots to become one family home would be a luxury for many. But when a neighbouring property came onto the market, it seemed the perfect time to extend and create a substantial abode in this highly coveted neighbourhood – where land is a premium.

With a heritage overlay in the area, the original red brick Edwardian house was retained and lightly touched. However, the neighboring structure was demolished and replaced by a contemporary wing for the owners, a couple with two children. Now the site is just over 800 square metres in area and it includes many of the features one can only dream of in middle-distance suburbs – a swimming pool, garaging for three cars, several living areas and even a traditional Finish sauna. One of the areas in the original home that was completely reworked by LUCY Architecture was the kitchen. Literally gutted, it benefits from generous glazing and an unusual arrangement of a butler’s pantry that’s partially opened to the kitchen/dining area – allowing for cooking to be an experience rather than cut off from guests.

The new wing also features a living area, with a mezzanine study/home office, together with what’s now the main bedroom, ensuite and walk-in dressing area. This wing, constructed in a grey Kraus brick and charcoal aluminium, also finds its own expression against the original brick Edwardian house. And unlike the period home with its traditional windows, this addition is fully connected to terraces either side, with a West facing pergola offering protection from the sun, particularly during the warmer months of the year. The double-height void in the new living area also responds to the high ceilings that are commonly found in older homes. As with the original home, the palette of materials for the new wing is fairly moody, with a generous dose of timber.

One of the main concerns with the original home, apart from its lack of light and accommodation, was also the entry sequence. Now, there are three separate entrances – one leading to the original home, with the other two formed by a link that cuts a swathe through the garden – creating a sense of arrival and anticipation irrespective of which street address used.

Words by Stephen Crafti