Lorne Road House, Hawthorn East, Melbourne

Lorne Road House in Hawthorn East, Melbourne

12 June 2026

Architects: Katz Architecture

Location: Hawthorn East, Victoria, Australia

Photos by John Best

The Lorne Road House project at Hawthorn East, VIC, Australia, masterfully bridges the past and present, creating a striking architectural statement. Designed by Katz Architecture and photographed by John Best, this project showcases an innovative approach to extending a heritage home.

The core vision was to unite two distinct architectural periods – the original 1893 Victorian cottage and a modern rear addition – through thoughtful use of colour, material, and form. The design philosophy centers on respecting the existing streetscape while introducing a contemporary living experience.

A key element in this integration is the use of a warm white base colour. This hue acts as an anchor, unifying the older Victorian facade with the modern extension. Internally and externally, this classic white rejuvenates the heritage portion and provides a seamless link to the new addition, creating an uplifting and welcoming atmosphere.

The rear addition is characterized by a dramatic, floating metallic form. This contemporary element pivots above a glass plane, featuring horizontal sheets of metallic cladding that create a strong, ribbed appearance. This design choice emphasizes the sensation of a floating mass, subtly enhancing the sensory experience of the living areas below.

“The modern extension unites with the older Victorian dwelling using the warm white colour as the anchoring base applied to the render of the lower level. This contrasts and sets off the dramatic floating metallic form above, giving this its new and invigorating identity.”

Beyond aesthetics, the project incorporates several sustainable features. External blinds offer shade from the summer sun while allowing warmth and light on cooler days. A concealed rainwater tank supports toilet flushing and garden irrigation. Internally, thermal floor tiles absorb and release heat, and strategically placed fans reduce reliance on air conditioning.

Details are meticulously considered, with external blinds from colourbond cleverly concealed within recesses. Matching colourbond panels clad outbuildings and fencing, ensuring a cohesive and contemporary finish. The residence stands as a testament to innovative design, offering a stunning architectural statement for the modern Australian family.

How does the Lorne Rd Hawthorn East project aim to integrate with the existing heritage building?

The modern extension unites with the older Victorian dwelling using the warm white colour as the anchoring base applied to the render of the lower level. This contrasts and sets off the dramatic floating metallic form above, giving this its new and invigorating identity.”

What was the core architectural vision behind the extension at Lorne Rd Hawthorn East project, and how does it reflect Katz Architecture’s design philosophy?

Pivoting effortlessly above a lower plane of glass, a light weight material was required to be convincing. Horizontal sheets of metalic cladding a strong ribbed appearance at an appropriate scale for a residential building. The horizontal ribs heighten the effect of the form floating over the ground floor living plane below. Naturally, being elevated above the ground, a maintenance free façade that maintains its beauty over time was paramount. The metallic finish of the colourbond ensures a shinny lustre at all times, without the need for regular maintenance. A significant feature of the cladding required it to be seamless to negotiate the deep window forms, recesses and soffits of the floating form. Windows are cut deep into the metallic object, elegantly accommodating sun and privacy screens. Colourbond cladding to these faces provides strong modern outlines around the window forms.

How does the design meet current environmental requirements/requests?

External blinds shield the home from the intense summer sun, yet can be easily raised on cooler days to invite in natural warmth and light. A rainwater tank, discreetly concealed beneath the deck, captures and stores water for use in toilets and garden irrigation. Inside, thermal floor tiles absorb the afternoon sun’s warmth and gently release it in the evening, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort. Downstairs, strategically placed fans circulate air effectively, reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.

Were there any details tying the house to the outside

Intricate details were also able to be achieved using colourbond: The upper level west facing picture window is protected by external blinds which are completely concealed from view when not in use. Clever folding of colourbond provides recesses into which the blinds are contained, keeping them out of sight. The residence is completed with other elements including outbuilding and fencing clad in matching colourbond panels.

Architects: Katz Architecture – https://www.katzarch.com/