Andrew Maynard Renovates a Modern Melbourne Home With a Giant Grassy Hill!

The Hill House, located in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne">Melbourne's</a> northern suburbs, has received a playful and dynamic makeover by <a href="http://www.maynardarchitects.com/Site/splash.html">Andrew Maynard Architects</a>. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/extension/">extension</a>, which was added over 10 years ago, had created a dark inside area. So to bring more light into the space, the architects made an upgrade that would maximize the use of the south-facing <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/backyard-house/">backyard</a>. The structure now finds itself fully-integrated with the landscaped outdoor space and flooded with light, and the backyard has become a central feature to the building with plenty of space for play and relaxation.

The award-winning idea has improved solar access access, and the home is flooded with light in during the winter months, helping to reduce energy costs.

Facing the original house, the new structure has high windows which look out over trees, and the entire space opens out to the surrounding landscape.

Constructed at different levels, the entire design forms an innovative structure, with a lowered dining area and higher living space creating a bench seat.

Situated in a typical, narrow plot in the Australian city's suburban area, the new design makes the most of the site's limited space.

And although the original home was left the same, the new addition transforms the plot, completed with an inventive hilled backyard.

Although the existing home was left the same, the new addition makes it almost unrecognisable.

A lowered dining area and higher living area create a bench seat.

Facing the original house, the new structure has high windows which look out over trees.