Finding space in a dense streetscape of long, narrow terrace houses in Melbourne’s suburbs is a challenge that calls for careful balance, inventive design and measured restraint. The Carlton Terrace renovation by Windust Architects x Interiors demonstrates how these qualities can come together to create a modern, functional and elegant family home. The multi-level makeover reorganizes the layout to improve daily living: the lower level now contains a new open-plan living area, dining space and kitchen that flow directly onto a timber deck, while the upper level houses the bedrooms with two additional bedrooms retained on the original ground floor.
The striking look of the added top level is achieved with glass panels and a galvanized ladder frame, clad in single-dot perforated flat plate aluminum. This lightweight metal cladding adds a strong contemporary silhouette and introduces tactile contrast against the softer, traditional elements below. Inside, the material palette continues that dialogue between texture and finish: smooth Venetian plaster surfaces sit beside custom ribbed wall panelling, while a predominantly white, neutral color scheme keeps spaces bright and visually unified.
Natural light was prioritised throughout the redesign to accentuate the contemporary details and create a cheerful, airy atmosphere. Large glazing elements connect the interior to the outdoors, framing the timber deck and a green wall that transform the compact backyard into an inviting extension of the living space. These connections between inside and outside are central to the success of the renovation, enabling flexible use of space and improving the home’s environmental performance through daylighting and passive cross-ventilation.
The kitchen takes a refined, minimalist approach with clean white cabinetry and abundant storage, offering a bright focal point for family life. A practical bench and integrated seating create visual and functional continuity with the deck outside, encouraging casual dining and relaxed entertaining. The design emphasises durable, low-maintenance finishes that suit everyday living while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.
In the wet areas the owners requested a robust but restrained palette: durable, natural-toned materials that will age well. Long-sheet porcelain was chosen extensively for splashbacks, benchtops, the TV unit and an external bench reveal, providing a cohesive, versatile surface that blends with its context. Internally, polished concrete floors and porcelain tiles complete a low-maintenance, resilient material scheme.
Bedrooms and bathrooms continue the same restrained aesthetic. A large bedroom mirror amplifies natural light and visually expands space, while bathrooms feature a considered combination of gray and white finishes that feel minimal and contemporary without being cold. The careful selection of materials supports easy upkeep and longevity, a key consideration for family homes in suburban terrace contexts.
The top-level aluminium cladding with single-dot perforation remains a standout feature, giving the addition a distinctive modern character while responding to the scale and rhythm of the surrounding terraces. Overall, this renovation demonstrates how thoughtful material choices, light-filled open-plan living and a careful balance of new and existing elements can transform a tight terrace site into a comfortable, contemporary family home.
Photography credit: Michael Kai. Project design: Windust Architects x Interiors.