0719 Marri House

Marri House is a residential renovation, alteration and extension in Subiaco, Perth, transforming a traditional Federation-era workers cottage into a contemporary family home that balances heritage character with modern living.

Located in one of Perth’s most established inner-city suburbs, the project responds to a client brief to retain and enhance the original timber cottage while introducing a carefully considered rear addition. The design preserves the scale, proportion and street presence of the existing home, while delivering a functional and light-filled extension suited to contemporary family life.

A defining feature of the project is the lightweight butterfly roof that forms the new architectural addition. This contemporary structure creates a clear distinction between old and new, while capturing northern light into the main living areas and allowing soft southern light to filter through. The roof form establishes a strong visual identity, contrasting with the traditional geometry of the original cottage.

The renovation and extension reconfigure the home to create an open plan living, dining and kitchen zone at the rear, designed to maximise natural light, ventilation and connection to the outdoors. Extensive glazing and operable louvres support cross ventilation and passive design performance, while large openings connect the interior to a landscaped backyard.

Outdoor living spaces are positioned directly off the kitchen and living areas, forming a natural extension of the home. A mature Magnolia tree, retained as part of the landscape design, provides shade and reinforces the connection to the established garden setting typical of Subiaco homes.

Material selection plays a key role in linking the old and new. Solid Marri timber, sourced and collected by the client over time, has been repurposed throughout the renovation for flooring and custom cabinetry, adding warmth, texture and continuity throughout the home.

This Perth home renovation demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can successfully integrate heritage preservation with contemporary additions, creating a cohesive and highly liveable family home through strategic alterations and extensions.