The Frankston Mid Century Modern designed by MRTN Architects is a restoration that aims to encapsulate the original design of this period home. Originally designed by architect and AFL footballer Jack Clarke in 1963, the clients bought this home from the original owners and were keen to preserve a part of this important history that is too often not appreciated as homes are demolished to make way for McMansions. Let’s have a look…
“The home, however, had only minor changes made in the past fifty years and was in dire need of attention and updating to create a contemporary family home. Our design reimagines the original home through the lens of the source images that most likely was a source of inspiration for Jack Clarke. Referencing photographs taken by Julius Shulman of fifties and sixties West Coast architecture we developed a palette appropriate to the time while making only minor changes to the outward appearance of the house.” – MRTN Architects
This home was originally designed in the optimistic modern style of the time being advanced by Robin Boyd and The Age’s Small Homes Service, that Jack Clarke contributed to at the time. The redesign done by MRTN Architects extended the size and ceiling heights of the original bedrooms through re-modelling the roofline and an ensuite is added.
Selected for their nostalgic relationship to the period, cedar lining boards, American walnut veneer, and natural clay fired tires were utilized. The restoration incorporates original features and materials to create an almost seamless result that leaves one wondering where the old has been replaced by the new.
“Overall there was only a minor increase in floor area. An ensuite has been added to the main bedroom and the south wall of the bedrooms was pushed out the line of the original eave. We lifted the roof to provide greater ceiling heights than the original 2.2m low point in the bedrooms. Also added an outdoor living terrace to the north with a pergola over. Almost every surface has been updated, replaced or re-finished in some way from the roofing to the entry tiles to replacing the ceiling while retaining the expressed joint between ceiling panels.” – MRTN Architects
All changes made in this mid-century modern home, whether to the program or the materials, consciously take their cue from the original structure. This allowed the vision of optimism and aspiration to be continued by the new owners of the home for many years to come.
House Project: Frankston Mid Century Modern
Architect: MRTN Architects
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Type: Renovation
Photographer: Derek Swalwell
