Northbridge House

Designing a home that keeps pace with its family

A family with three boys brings a particular kind of rhythm to a home — full of motion, energy, and the constant balance between connection and quiet retreat. When this Northbridge family approached us, they weren’t looking for a transformation that erased the past. They wanted a home that kept its character while finally working for the way they lived.

Their brief was simple, but deeply felt: create stronger connections between the main living spaces and the outdoors, and shape a home flexible enough to grow with them.

The existing house had charm and solid bones, yet its layout didn’t support the ebb and flow of busy family life. The kitchen sat tucked away. Rooms felt closed off. And the everyday gathering points lacked the natural flow that encourages people to come together.

Our redesign focused on clarity, connection, and adaptability — without losing the warmth the family loved.

A home that grows as the boys do

With three children edging toward their teenage years, the home needed to support multiple activities at once.

Distinct but connected zones were introduced so the family could separate when needed and come together effortlessly.

Sliding doors and intentional sightlines allow the parents to supervise subtly, while giving the boys space to retreat as they seek more independence.

The design recognises that family life shifts quickly. Every space was shaped to remain practical and relevant as the children grow.

A kitchen reimagined as the heart of the home

One of the most dramatic changes sits at the core of the house.

The once-enclosed kitchen has been transformed into a generous, open-plan space that anchors the upper level.

Light now pours in from both sides of the home, linking the kitchen visually to the living and dining areas and opening it to views of Northbridge’s leafy treetops.

Warm timber cabinetry, handmade tiles, and soft neutral tones create a calm, tactile atmosphere. More than a place to cook, this kitchen is designed for conversation, connection, and the slow moments that define family life.

A lower level built for movement

Downstairs, a new rumpus room sits just above the lawn and pool, designed as a natural extension of outdoor activity.

Durable limestone flooring flows seamlessly from inside to outside — a practical and welcoming surface for children moving in and out through long summer days. The result is a robust yet inviting space that absorbs the energy of a household always on the move.

Above it, the alfresco terrace acts as a sheltered outdoor room. It extends naturally from the kitchen and living spaces, catching breezes and filling with soft, filtered light from a large skylight.

Elevated slightly above the garden, it offers a quiet sense of occasion and is equally suited to weeknight dinners or long weekend lunches.

Natural materials with a calm presence

Throughout the home, the material palette is intentionally calm, tactile, and enduring.

Wide oak floors add warmth. Locally made porcelain pendant lights bring a crafted intimacy to key spaces.

Textured tiles and playful wallpapers animate smaller rooms, while stone and timber appear in their natural, unadorned state.

These details create depth and personality without overwhelming the home’s relaxed architectural language.

Honouring the past while embracing the new

The new extension introduces contemporary functionality, but the original house remains central to the home’s identity.

Historic details — archways, ceiling trims, the welcoming front façade — were restored and celebrated. Instead of contrasting old and new, the design works toward continuity, ensuring the additions feel integrated rather than imposed.

The home now reads as one cohesive experience, where every space feels connected in both spirit and flow.

A place for family life

The completed Northbridge House is equal parts practical and poetic. It offers room for a family to grow, move, gather, and find quiet when needed.

The boys can spill into the rumpus room after school; the kitchen hums with conversation; the alfresco hosts long evenings of food and laughter; and the quieter corners provide calm moments throughout the day.

The home is designed for the joyful, evolving, often-chaotic reality of family life — built with materials, planning, and craftsmanship that will stand beautifully over time.