The Shakin Stevens House is a Modern Renovation that Embraces Green Design in Melbourne

The <a href="http://mattgibson.com.au/stevens.htm" target="_blank">Shakin Stevens House</a> is green -- both in color and also in its sustainability strategies. Designed by <a href="http://mattgibson.com.au/" target="_blank">Matt Gibson Architecture + Design</a>, the modern home renovation included adding a series of cubic volumes onto a Victorian home in the Middle Park neighborhood of Melbourne. With bright white interiors and lime green accents, sliding doors that open to the outdoors, solar passive design and eco-friendly landscaping, this home embraces its greenness with fervor.

The owners of the <a href="http://mattgibson.com.au/stevens.htm" target="_blank">Shakin Stevens House</a> wanted to be connected with "green" space and increase the amenities of the home without increasing the floor space too much.

Like many renovations in Melbourne, the front of the Victorian home remains largely the same but a strikingly modern volume is added onto the back.

The front of the Victorian home features a lime green door.

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<a href="http://mattgibson.com.au/" target="_blank">Matt Gibson Architecture + Design</a> built a series of three cubic volumes in the back yard to provide space for a new kitchen, dining and living spaces as well as an improved back yard.

The bright white interiors bounce light around the space, while sliding glass doors open up to connect directly with the garden.

Lime green is used as an accent in the furnishings, cabinetry, decor even down to the green Kitchen Aid mixer.

As part of their connection with their garden and nature, the owners also sought to incorporate as many ESD strategies into the home.

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Starting with the new addition's orientation, window placement and shading, the sun is exploited for passive heating and cooling.

The envelope features a high level of insulation as well as exposed thermal mass and low embodied energy construction techniques &amp; materials.

Recycled and reclaimed materials like recycled timber flooring/decking, which was beyond the renovation of the existing Victorian home.

Rainwater is collected and stored in two water tanks, which works in conjunction with grey water recycling for irrigation.