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A White Cottage Expands Into a Black + White, Asymmetrical Modern Home

07.21.22 | By
A White Cottage Expands Into a Black + White, Asymmetrical Modern Home

Originally a white cottage in Northern Melbourne, the Host House underwent a massive renovation and expansion to work for a growing family. Splinter Society first extended the pitched roof volume running front to the back behind the original facade. To top off the new, dramatic design, the cottage is the base to black structures seen from the outside and inside as the penetrate through to create new interior divisions.

view of interior of modern home's black and white kitchen with pitched white rafters

The interior is an open plan with a gabled roof that features a white ceiling with rafters. The all-black kitchen stands out amongst the white walls and ceiling to create a dramatic look.

interior view of modern home with high ceilings and a black and white color scheme

To unite the black and white volumes, a series of materials, like rough sawn timbers, textured plasters, formed concrete, and rough-cut stone, are used throughout. The richly textured interior creates dynamic effects all day and night as artificial and natural light move through the space.

interior view of modern home in black and white color scheme

The homeowners’ love of travel inspired the design of the interior spaces to be welcoming and ready to entertain.

interior of modern home with view of dark living room with green sofa and black staircase

The high contrast black and white color scheme is dialed down with a curated palette of subtle colors and lots of texture.

interior of modern home with view black living room with green sofa

interior of modern home with view of black and white hallway

interior of modern home with view minimalist black bathroom with sunken tub

interior of modern home with view of minimalist black and white bathroom with small round stone sink

interior of modern home with view angled window looking through to another room

interior of modern home with view of black and white bathroom with shutters partly open

interior of modern home with view of black and white bedroom

exterior of modern home with vertical black panels as siding

exterior of modern home with vertical black panels as siding

exterior of modern home with vertical black panels as siding

floor plans of modern home with three floors

Photos by Sharyn Cairns.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.