BLEESER EXTENSION – Spotswood VIC

This is an alteration to an existing post war weatherboard dwelling in Melbourne’s inner west. As an antidote to the dark and dysfunctional living space, a wedge shaped slice was cut from north to east through the existing building fabric, giving substantial light, view and connection to the backyard. This wedge takes the form of a deck externally and progressively widens toward the southern boundary, capitalizing on the northern sun, the backyard and views to the Westgate Bridge. Growing from discussions about the future purchase of a trail-able boat, the deck was characterised as a pier adjacent to the iconic sea of inner suburban lawn.
Whilst built for able bodied clients, this project was driven by a desire to consider the needs of wheelchair-bound friends. Whilst full code compliance relating to access and mobility was neither feasible nor necessary, the project was imbedded with design aspects attuned to mobility issues. There are no changes in floor level across the entire building including the deck, the bathroom is conceived as a single step-less drained enclosure, the toilet is enclosed by a slide-away concertina wall, and the kitchen bench is mobile enabling re-positioning around the needs of wheelchair bound guests as well as flexibility for general use.

Photography – Shannon McGrath