Dezeen Magazine

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

Australian studio Edwards Moore has revamped a small brick house in Melbourne by adding a new storey and a translucent roof (+ slideshow).

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

Architects Ben Edwards and Juliet Moore were tasked with increasing the size of the single-storey terraced house, as well as improving the quality of space and light inside each of its rooms.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

A new storey was added over the existing structure, with a translucent roof that diffuses light through the entire upper level. Unlike the lower walls, which are made from brick and feature peeling paintwork, the extension comes with a clean black facade created by standing-seam cladding.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

The new level accommodates a living room on one side and a kitchen/dining room on the other, freeing up space on the ground floor for a reception room and two generous bedrooms.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

"[We] considered the addition of the second floor not simply as the addition of horizontal plane perched atop the existing structure, but equally as a vertical room that creates a great sense of volume and unity within the dwelling as a whole," said Edwards.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

A layer of perforated metal sits above exposed wooden rafters to give a see-through floor to the living room, allowing light and views down to the spaces below.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

"The translucent skin floods the spaces with natural light, and strategically placed openings create a central internal landscape," added the architect.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

Cantilevered wooden treads provide a floating staircase between the two floors, resonating with the rhythm of the exposed rafters above.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

Edwards Moore also recently renovated another house in Melbourne, leaving peeling plasterwork to expose sections of brick walls.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

Other residential projects by the studio include a house with a combined kitchen counter and staircase, plus an apartment with chunky chipboard lining its walls.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

See more architecture by Edwards Moore »
See more houses in Australia »

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

Photography is by Fraser Marsden.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

Here's a project description from the architects:


Lightbox House

A small single-storey terrace house, dwarfed by the surrounding urban fabric. The aim, to increase the quality and scale of the living spaces within, improve the sense of aspect/outlook and access to natural light, whilst maintaining a private and comforting oasis.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore

By considering the addition of the second floor not simply as the addition of horizontal plane perched atop the existing structure, but equally as a vertical room which, through its connectivity between 'branches', creates a great sense of volume and unity within the dwelling as a whole. The translucent skin floods the spaces with natural light, and strategically placed openings create a central internal landscape.

Lightbox House by Edwards Moore
Ground floor plan
Lightbox House by Edwards Moore
First floor plan
Lightbox House by Edwards Moore
Long section - click for larger image
Lightbox House by Edwards Moore
Cross section - click for larger image
Lightbox House by Edwards Moore
Street elevation - click for larger image