Andrew Maynard adds greenhouse-like extension to a Melbourne home – but leaves it unfinished
This metal-framed extension to a clapboard house near Melbourne was left intentionally incomplete by architect Andrew Maynard to show off the "beautiful skeleton" of an unfinished building (+ slideshow).
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Tess-Kelly_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
Taking reference from construction sites, Andrew Maynard Architects used a steel framework to renovate and extend the timber house in the Melbourne suburb of Seddon, for a couple who asked for a house that was "ridiculously inside-out".
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Peter-Bennetts_dezeen_468_13.jpg)
The project, named Cut Paw Paw after its location, creates a new open-plan living area for the two-bedroom property.
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Peter-Bennetts_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Galvanised steel beams and patchy cladding outline a fragmented boundary between extension and garden.
This framework continues over a strip of garden to the rear of the extension, forming a transitory area between inside and outside.
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Peter-Bennetts_dezeen_468_16.jpg)
"Construction sites are fascinating. When wandering the street and stumbling upon an anonymous house in construction we all get excited by the possibilities," said Maynard. "Often it is when a building is at its most beautiful."
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Peter-Bennetts_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
The enclosed space leads through to a studio housed within a gabled wooden shed at the bottom of the garden.
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Tess-Kelly_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
An oval bathtub sits in a flowerbed at the edge of the living-room patio, offering residents the opportunity to bathe outdoors.
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Tess-Kelly_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
"It further strengthens the inside/outside link," said studio architect Ray Dinh. "We are told that it gets regular use, and is the best spot to spend outside on a cold, crisp evening."
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Peter-Bennetts_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
The extension sits over a smooth concrete slab with underfloor heating, while the flooring in the existing building now comprises planks of kiln-dried Victorian ash and spotted gum wood.
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Tess-Kelly_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Two angular concrete steps mark the transition between the original building and the extension, while sliding wooden walls and bi-fold doors separate the older rooms from the new living space.
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Peter-Bennetts_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
Recycled red brickwork runs along one side of this open-plan space, while metal-clad awnings can be battened down on the other to protect against inclement weather. A narrow water trough skirts this boundary.
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Peter-Bennetts_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
A free-standing sink unit divides the kitchen and living spaces. One side of the island doubles as a backrest for bench seating that aligns with a dining table.
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_Peter-Bennetts_dezeen_468_17.jpg)
Photography is by Peter Bennetts, unless otherwise stated.
Project credits:
Architect: Andrew Maynard Architects
Directors: Mark Austin and Andrew Maynard
Design architect: Andrew Maynard
Project architect: Mark Austin
Builder: Marcus Hamilton, Mark Projects
Engineer: Maurice Farrugia and Associates
![Cut Paw Paw House by Andrew Maynard](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Cut-Paw-Paw-House-by-Andrew-Maynard_dezeen_1.gif)