Coy Yiontis are fluent in the conversation of old and new. Their designs tell a tale of sensitivity to what exists and a tribute to this in the quality of what they introduce. This narrative thread rings true for the Nolan House, a federation home extension for a family of three. With a heavy focus on concealment from the street, the Nolan house brings both an element of surprise for what lies beyond and the privacy to be fully immersed in it.

One look at the heritage façade and you would hardly expect the glass-panelled sanctuary at the rear. The original structure has been broken and then reunified through the introduction of three adjoining courtyards of varying sizes that offer complete transparency throughout. The two main courtyards are orientated to make use of morning sunlight and permit cross ventilation, for easy entertaining and a connection between living areas. The lines of what is indoors and outdoors are completely blurred; fluidity achieved through the use of sliding glazed panels and consistent materials. The transition from the old hallway into the addition literally flows with a pool that draws you through to the rear of the home and garden beyond. The exceptional use of Silver Travertine both internally and externally is also responsible for the impression of a continuous yet divided space, cleverly integrated into the kitchen island bench. Travertine is a standout feature in the new private areas too, dressing the master bathroom walls.

Regular est readers know we regard the kitchen as the heart of the home – a concept Coy Yiontis honed in on for this Middle Park home. The firm describes the kitchen as the ‘central hub overlooking all’, hiding a powder room behind timber panelling and entry to the third green-screened courtyard. Just as the luxurious travertine, timber is another motif repeated in the living and dining area to ensure a sense of visual connectivity. Selecting these superlative materials gives a sense of serenity and introspectiveness that’s hard to pull of, offering a sincere retreat from busy urban life.

While Coy Yiontis put their energy into the contemporary dimension of the home, they remained faithful to upholding the interior architectural detailing of the front rooms and hallway. All of the original spaces have been retained and the rooms reconfigured to accommodate a master bedroom with a large walk-in robe and ensuite. The design team also didn’t want the old to miss out on the ethereal feeling of the light-doused living space, so introduced skylights into the old roof. A design legacy is also relayed in the objects that fill the new. Our familiar favourites include; the Mantis Floor Lamp, Surface Sconce Aluminium Table Lamp, Mantis Floor Lamp, Bend Sofa, 637 Utrecht Armchair and KV1 Kitchen Mixer. Just as the Hive Ottoman in the living space, ‘Desert Rose’ by Lyndal Hargrave is a light-hearted addition in the bedroom.

The Nolan House taps into what it means to renovate and restore with the right intentions. Coy Yiontis may have had a heritage gem on their drawing board, but that was no reason to mimic what was already there. Instead, they’ve left behind what belongs in the past and shown us what it means to upgrade with a top-tier extension for the present.