Architects: Robbie Walker
Area: 102 m²
Year: 2016
Photography: Nic Granleese
Collaborators: Danius Malunis, Ben Willick
City: Melbourne
Country: Australia
Glass Link House, designed by Robbie Walker in 2016, transformed an old suburban house into a modern family home. The renovation added a master bedroom pod, separated from the original structure by a glass link. This design element highlights the contrast between old and new, enhances natural light, and creates an engaging passage between the spaces.
Robbie Walker purchased the house three years ago, moving from Richmond after the birth of his second child.
The original house had many flaws, including a fake tile roof, aluminum windows, and low ceilings from a 1970s renovation. Despite its poor condition, Walker saw potential in the property.
After removing the addition and dropped ceilings, the house was reduced to an 80 m² space with two bedrooms and one bathroom. The tall roof created a spacious feel and a usable attic. Walker and his family lived in the attic for over a year. While Walker enjoyed the loft-like space, his partner Alice found it inconvenient, especially with a newborn. To address this, Walker enlisted Danius Malunis and Ben Willick to design a master bedroom pod for Alice.
They opted for a contemporary extension, separate from the original house. The simple build, completed with help from Walker’s brothers, took about eight weeks. The extension was connected to the house via a glass link, enhancing light and distinguishing the new addition from the old structure. The glass link not only separates old from new but also brings light into the hallway and bedroom, making the transition between spaces more exciting.
The project combines modern design with the original structure, creating a functional and appealing family home.
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Project Location
Address: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
