The original structure – which accommodates three bedrooms, a bathroom and a living space – remains largely untouched to preserve its mid-century character and the aesthetic typical of the Mornington Peninsula in the 1960s. While the core structure was retained, some interior walls were reconfigured to improve functionality and flow. Meanwhile, the new extension, positioned at the rear of the house, draws in natural light and opens direct views toward the garden and its Melaleuca trees. A light-glazed corridor connects the two wings, which, as Merrett explains, “acts as a gentle transitional link between old and new, maintaining separation while enabling connection”. The new wing houses the main bedroom, ensuite, kitchen, dining room, a second living zone, a powder room and laundry.Fostering a sense of laidback coastal living was central to the expansion. Large windows invite the landscape in, while an outdoor bath and shower extends the home’s functionality beyond its walls. Sustainability was also a key consideration, with passive solar orientation, natural ventilation and energy-efficient glazing and insulation all incorporated into the design. “Retaining and adapting the original structure minimises waste, while the use of local, reclaimed and natural materials promotes environmental responsibility,” says Merrett.
