Tara Avenue Residence Kew, Victoria house photos, Modern Melbourne property design, Australian architecture

Tara Avenue Residence in Kew, Victoria

1 April 2026

Design: Chan Architecture Pty Ltd, APC Build

Location: Kew, Victoria, Australia

Photos: Elise Scott

Tara Avenue Residence in Victoria

The Tara Avenue Residence project reimagines a 1930s Interwar English Revival home through a contemporary rear extension that clearly distinguishes new from old, while maintaining a strong material connection. The original dwelling, defined by its solid clinker brick base and enclosed rooms, has been carefully retained and adapted, while a new addition introduces light and openness for a more contemporary living experience.

The existing layout of separate kitchen, dining and living rooms with little connection to the backyard has been transformed into a generous open-planned living zone. Expansive glazing opens the interior to the garden, drawing in natural light and creating a seamless indoor–outdoor relationship. A large covered alfresco extends this space further, with an integrated skylight bringing additional light deep into the plan.

Materially, the extension is grounded by a brick base that references the original house, while the new roof form and strong horizontal lines provide a contemporary contrast to the steep gables beyond. A restrained palette of natural timbers and white stone introduces warmth and refinement, with vertical timber battens adding texture and rhythm.

The existing home has been thoughtfully renovated, with period rooms repurposed into a home office, master bedroom and music room, and the upper level reconfigured to improve the functionality of the three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The result is a cohesive yet layered home -balancing the character and intimacy of the original with a light-filled, contemporary extension designed for modern living.