Updated 70’s House Turned Into A Modern Family Home

Originally designed in 1977 by Kevin Borland, the Chamfer House is this beautiful home recently remodeled and updated by Mihaly Schlocombe Architect. The studio’s fresh and inventive approach transformed the house and gave it a new look but not without also preserving its original character.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

The architects don’t have a predetermined style and usually let each project’s requirements guide their work and lead to unique solutions. They manage to see the big picture while also focusing on all the small details.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

The Chamfer House is located in Mornington, Australia and was renovated in 2016. It sits on a 964 square meter site that overlooks a bay. Some of the original parts were preserved. For example, the timber structure and the ceilings were not replaced.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects
Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

But the house had to be adapted to accommodate a young family with specific needs so some adjustments had to be made. While the house’s core personality was preserved, the internal layout was modified.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

The living and sleeping areas were reconfigured. The goal was to strengthen their connection with the outdoors and the garden in particular. They have large windows and glass doors that open them onto decks and terraces and reveal the panoramic views.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

The interior is really welcoming. The wooden ceilings and exposed beams contrast with the carpeted floors and white walls. There’s this interesting balance between the materials, colors and textures used throughout.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects
Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

The social zone has a fireplace with firewood storage along one of the walls and a gray sofa facing it. The dining space is situated behind the sofa and the two functions are closely connected but manage to stand out as individual areas.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects
Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

Cozy window nooks and casual lounge spaces are spread throughout the house. The sleeping area is quite charming as well. The wooden ceiling featured a geometric motif which matches the repetitive triangular motif that defines the architecture and the design of the whole house.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

The backyard is mostly occupied by a large pool. Full-height windows and glass doors reveal the internal spaces, connecting the indoor and outdoor in a natural and harmonious manner.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects

The interior is cleverly divided into various distinct areas. Although they each have their own function, they often share an open floor plan with other functions. The study area, for example, is a workspace nook with a simple shelf desk and a connection to the social zone.

Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects
Farmer House-Mihaly Slocombe Architects