Renovating an old house in Hobart, Bence Mulcahy added a two-storey extension made of glass and steel. Named Greenhouse, the structure replaces a 1980s iteration in a manner that best engages the nearby veranda, courtyard and garden.
Located in the Hobart suburb of Mount Stuart, Greenhouse forms a contemporary addition to a red brick, Federation-style Italianate home. The new volume looks out onto the Derwent River and is supported by a veranda and a well-established garden complete with plants, trees and sandstone retaining walls. Bence Mulcahy identifies the key to renovating an old house is relating the extension to the main building – Greenhouse mirrors the scale of the existing dwelling, proposing a strong sense of verticality.
A house tour of the dream home begins at the formal entry space and transitions into the main hall. Beyond lies the beginning of the extension. The process of renovating an old house sees the final extension enclose the dining room, kitchen and an extra eating area. Upstairs, the addition houses an ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. Ample glazing then allows the home to borrow visual space from the external landscape.
Bence Mulcahy takes a seasoned approach to renovating an old house, inserting voids in order to manage the sense of privacy. A two-storey void is left over the dining room, whilst a separate alcove of the same size is located above the upstairs ensuite.
Creating a glasshouse structure using a combination of glass and steel, Bence Mulcahy pays homage to a greenhouse inspiration. The durable nature of the material palette is particularly relevant to renovating an old house, promising an enduring outcome. Internally, copper sinks and a copper island bench complement a wax-sealed timber floor and array of curated soft furnishings.
Utilising the skills of local craftsmen, Bence Mulcahy does justice to the personal nature of the home. Greenhouse stands as a lesson in house renovation and embraces the tranquil quality of its natural surrounds.
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Photography by Adam Gibson.
Architecture and Interior Design by Bence Mulcahy.
Build by Farquhar Constructions.
Filmed and Edited by The Local Project.
Production by The Local Project.
00:00 – Cloudy Bay
00:12 – Introduction to the Greenhouse
00:53 – The Brief for the Renovation
01:19 – House Tour of the Home
02:16 – The Sandstone Base of the Building
02:30 – The Lower and Upper Floor of the Extension
03:15 – The Exterior of the Greenhouse
03:25 – The Interior Materials Chosen
03:48 – The Furniture and Furnishing of the House
04:50 – Cloudy Bay
The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
License ID: MB01UFB5GZVPB06
#Renovation #HouseTour #Home
20 Comments
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This house is truly a gem, filled with so much character and charm. The glass windows in the kitchen offer a beautiful view of the lush greenery outside, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The wood countertops add a warm and inviting touch, while the brass fittings add a touch of elegance. The house has a timeless beauty and I can't help but feel a sense of history within its walls. It's truly a pleasure to see the way the natural light fills the space, highlighting the unique features of the home. It is clear that a lot of love and care has gone into preserving the integrity of this beautiful home and it is a true treasure
Really really beautiful home, oh to be rich
Love that this home looks lived in
Of all the houses on this channel, this is the one I'd most want to live in. It's just spectacular.
1:50 Love first sight of this eating area~What a stunning view!😍
This house is stunning, the garden is to die for but the kitchen in the new extension it's a 10/10. Wow love it love it
It was a shame that the layout, lighting and bathroom of this lovely build were nearly touched upon. There was the same two shots of the kitchen and one of the bath from the inside used several times. This could have given more emphasise to the journey of the build and why certain colours and lighting options were selected. A good video, but also a missed opportunity.
Wonderful 👍👍
Beautiful home and additon, feels isolated yet its surrounded by other houses. This gem was worth the 2 week wait.
stunning!!
I love how the addition to this beautiful 19th century home doesn't overpower or draw attention away from it. Instead, it blends in and enhances the experience of living there, giving a lot of light and providing views. It's there and it's not there.
The kitchen is just magical!
Oh wow so much character and so different from many of the houses featured on this channel. The respect for the home’s history feels seamless and the materials and furnishings feel well lived in.
Beautiful 🤩…… England 🏴
Stunning, especially those copper work tops!
To be honest this is the most boring home I've viewed on The Local Project. Gosh the windows and kitchen area looks grubby.
Another stunning video from the Local Project! 👏
I feel like I'm in a Harry Potter set at one point.
I never know with these little films, whether I'm admiring the house or the photography!