Tangen House

Situated on a heritage-graded street in Hawthorn East, this project seamlessly blends the enduring charm of a Victorian terrace with a multi-generational design for family living.
Architect Chan Architecture
Stylist Deme Interiors
Completed 2024
Details Renovation and Addition
Location Hawthorn East

The original front section of the house has been carefully re-purposed as three bedrooms, a study, and two bathrooms. Beyond the historic façade, a modern extension reveals a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area – designed as the central hub for family gatherings. A glazed hallway wraps around the new swimming pool, guiding you to a rear structure that houses a self-contained residence for grandparents, a double garage, and a staircase leading to a dedicated children’s retreat.

A key design challenge was to bring natural light into the south-facing rear living spaces. This was achieved by integrating two internal courtyards, a large kitchen skylight, and a butterfly roof form with north-facing highlight windows, ensuring a bright, inviting environment throughout the year.

 

The interior design features a palette of natural blackbutt flooring, dark timber-veneered joinery, and large-format porcelain benchtops, with timber battens and mirrors adding layers of texture and visual interest.

In line with a strong commitment to sustainability, the project incorporates passive design principles to reduce energy consumption and minimize its carbon footprint. Key sustainable features include highly insulated double-glazed windows, extensive thermal insulation in walls and roofs, and high-performance building wraps to limit air leakage. The result is a home that remains comfortable year-round with minimal energy requirements.