Sandringham Gums House, Melbourne, Victoria property

The Sandringham Gums House in Melbourne

2 September 2026

Architects: Block Architecture Studio

Location: Sandringham, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Photos: Victor Vieaux Photography

The proposed extension to the 1980 brick and concrete dwelling in Sandringham, Victoria, thoughtfully addresses the needs of a growing family by enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

The design incorporates a central courtyard that serves to illuminate all areas of the home while providing a distinct separation between the master suite and the vibrant living and entertaining zones.

In a creative shift from traditional suburban layouts, the rear extension maximizes the existing deep north-facing setback, transforming it into a private open space that effectively redefines the concept of a backyard, allowing the front of the house to become a welcoming entryway. This approach not only strengthens the connection to the outdoors but also fosters a sense of privacy and tranquility within the home.

The unique reconfiguration of the Kitchen to allow for a new work space with an open second kitchen/butler’s pantry, allows visual and conversational connections throughout the heart of the home. This flows both sides with the main living and dining room opening onto the front yard (serving as the backyard). The secondary living space can be shut off through the clever use of stacking pocket sliding doors, which are unseen when not in use.

The material and tonal selections provide warm, moody spaces, that not only pay homage to the original exposed brick and concrete home, but also provide memorable new spaces for the growing family.

Could you elaborate on the core architectural vision behind ‘The Sandringham Gums’ project? What specific design challenges or opportunities did the existing structure present, and how did Block Architecture Studio approach them to create this extension and renovation?

The deep front setback of the existing house meant any extension to the rear was constrained in size, and had to be carefully planned to maximise it’s utility. Likewise, the reconfiguration of the existing floor plan had to be carefully considered to accommodate the brief. Bringing light deep into the home was a crucial consideration, as the existing had pockets of dark space, making the house feel smaller than it was. The existing double brick and concrete structure provided a number of structural and energy challenges. Altering plumbing points and removing internal brick walls required additional structure to support the first floor concrete slab.

As an architectural extension and renovation, how was the new design thoughtfully integrated with the existing structure? What considerations were made to ensure a harmonious blend of old and new, both aesthetically and functionally, within the Sandringham context?

With all of the existing internal walls being load bearing brick walls, careful consideration had to be given when trying to reconfigure the floor plan to suit the new extension. In order to minimise additional structure and cost, only one room was removed from the original floor plan, which allowed for an open plan kitchen, living and dining, flowing from the front of the house through to the new courtyard garden. The introduction of the see through pantry allowed the centre of the plan to remain open and connected.

The central courtyard allowed the additional ground floor programme (master suite, study and rumpus room) to remain light filled while also providing a garden aspect from the existing front entry. It also provides a buffer, and additional privacy for the master suite and study, which can be shut off from the main entertaining areas. This was crucial for two work from home professionals, with a young growing family.

While not explicitly stated, every renovation aims to improve the client’s living experience. How do you envision ‘The Sandringham Gums’ enhancing the lifestyle of its occupants? Were there specific client requests or lifestyle needs that heavily influenced the design outcomes?

The clients, a young family of 5, loved the exposed brick and concrete of the existing 1980 home by Lyon Architects. However, with single glazing, no insulation, and some very dark pockets of the floor plan, an upgrade was required to suit their family life, and having two professionals working from home. The design brief was to provide a home that paid homage to the materials of the existing house, while bringing it up to current standards, and providing the parents with their own private space to work and unwind. The floor plan reconfigures existing bathrooms and bedrooms to better suit the family’s children as they grow, providing them with their own space, and communal space, which can be closed off as required.

This flexibility allows working from home and enjoying the house to co-exist side by side. The use of timber and natural stone to compliment the existing exposed brickwork internally, creates a consistent and seamless feel throughout the home from old to new. New 90mm wide engineered boards from Made By Storey, reference older homes in their narrowness, and are installed across both the existing and new floors, tying them together. The new rumpus room also references the existing materials through the use of red brick on the internal fireplace, creating a visual connection between spaces.