Home Extension · Bassendean, Perth WA
Vilminore
Extension
Project Overview
Bringing the garden
to the heart of home.
The Vilminore Extension is a contemporary addition to an existing stone cottage in Bassendean — a modern gable that brings the heart of the home to the centre, connecting indoor living to the established south garden and the magnificent flame tree that has cooled this block for decades.
The design philosophy is one of balance and respect — the scale of the new extension carefully calibrated to sit in harmony with the existing cottage, neither overwhelming it nor competing with it. Old and new exist in honest dialogue, each making the other more interesting.
Concept
A modern approach to the traditional gable — bringing the heart of the home to its centre and the garden to its door.
Old and new in
honest balance.
The new extension takes its cues from the traditional gable form — reinterpreted in a contemporary language that feels fresh without being jarring. The gable roof creates generous internal height in the new living spaces while providing a familiar architectural language that connects the addition to both the existing cottage and the character of the Bassendean streetscape.
The connection to the south garden is central to the design — the extension opens generously toward the established garden, making greenery and nature a constant presence in the living spaces. The existing flame tree on the south side creates a beautiful, shaded garden room — a protected outdoor space that becomes an extension of the living areas and a place of calm retreat throughout the year.
The scale of the new must always respect the scale of the old — the extension serves the cottage, not the other way around.
The result is a home where old and new genuinely belong together — the stone cottage finding new purpose and relevance through the addition, and the extension finding warmth and character through its relationship with the original. A whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Design features
built into every detail
Modern Gable Form
A contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional gable — creating generous internal height and a familiar architectural language that connects the addition to the existing cottage.
Stone Cottage Sensitivity
The scale of the new extension carefully calibrated to sit in balance with the existing stone cottage — respectful, honest and complementary without imitation.
Garden Connection
The extension opens generously toward the established south garden — making greenery and nature a constant presence in the new living spaces throughout the year.
Established Garden Integration
The existing south garden with its established flame tree is woven into the design — preserved, celebrated and made a central part of daily life in the new extension.
Heart of the Home
The extension brings the hub of the home to the centre of the block — connecting garden, living and the existing cottage in a natural, flowing spatial arrangement.
Old & New in Dialogue
Stone cottage and contemporary gable exist in honest dialogue — each making the other more interesting, creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Bassendean · Perth · Western Australia
Contemporary barn style extension in Bassendean, Perth
The Vilminore Extension takes a contemporary barn approach to the traditional gable — a modern extension language that references the pitched roof form of barn houses while remaining firmly contemporary. This approach allows the addition to complement the existing stone cottage without imitating it, creating a dialogue between old and new that feels natural and considered.
The contemporary barn gable extension is increasingly popular in Perth's inner suburbs as a way of adding meaningful living space to existing homes while creating strong architectural character. The pitched form allows for generous internal height and volume — transforming a standard extension into a spatial experience.
Studio Origami designs contemporary barn style extensions and home additions across inner Perth — including Bassendean, Bayswater, Midland, Guildford, Morley, Inglewood and surrounding suburbs. Book a strategy session to explore your project.
Inspired by
Vilminore Extension?
Studio Origami designs sensitive, considered extensions across Perth — working with existing homes and gardens to create additions that feel like they were always meant to be there. Book a session to explore your project.
Follow the journey
See our work
in progress
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