Pavilion House is the recently-extended family of interior designer Julianne Bull, founding director of The Den Interiors, in Highett, Melbourne.

Julianne designed the project herself, which comprises an additional ground floor living area and bathroom, and sympathetically renovated interiors.

‘We didn’t want to build upwards, because we felt it would ruin the existing home, so we had the idea to spread into the backyard to capture that sun, and strengthen the outdoor connection,’ says Julianne.

‘Then, working with the architect [Sheri Haby], we realised we needed a buffer between the old and new living rooms, so we added a bathroom in between.’

This is Julianne’s forever home, so it’s been designed with every stage of life in mind. Right now, it’s home to her young family, but over time it will likely house teenagers, adult children, and ageing parents. ‘Our floor plan and layout fits so many different scenarios,’ she says.

Aesthetically, the renovation draws on the home’s original brick and weatherboard materials, and the look of mid-century houses in nearby Beaumaris. ‘The materials selected were chosen to harmonise with its neighbours, and strike a balance between practical and beautiful,’  Julianne says.

Red bricks have been recycled from demolitions on site and reused, and the white brick rear exterior gleams in the northern sun.

‘We also appreciate the look and feel of Palm Springs — where we’ve travelled to — and other coastal references that feature an abundance of natural light,’ says Julianne. ‘Even though it might not sit exactly with Melbourne’s cold climate, it does feel great by the pool when the sun’s shining on those bricks. It gives off those holiday vibes, which I always used to feel, and still do, when I’m driving along Beach Road looking at the bay.’

While the outlook to the pool and the connectivity of spaces is a real success of this project, Julianne’s favourite element is the improved functionality — particularly in the laundry!

‘I’m there every single day, and it’s not a chore any more! It’s efficient, and it works, and it’s neat,’ she says. ‘It’s every parent’s dream when you’ve got soccer and school uniforms, to be able to get through it all easily, and have heaps of storage. It’s just a joy.’

It’s also a much more comfortable home due to the added insulation and improved orientation. ‘In the summertime, I think we only turned the air conditioning on twice, which is down to good insulation and using nature’s resources as best we could.’