Architect Nicholas Murray never disappoints with his bold use of mafi timber in many of his projects, and the renovation and extension of this traditional brick house in Victoria is no exception. Known for his exciting play on the old and new, this house pushes the boundaries further. The aim of this project was to create “a strong juxtaposition between the old and new components of the building”, explains Murray.
The house extension features many organic materials which have been used in a very modern and refined way, such as Zinc, natural stone and mafi timber. Mafi Coral Oak with black fill was selected and is used throughout the home, also integrated into the kitchen island bench as joinery.
Coral Oak is one of the more innovative offerings from mafi’s range of Oak floorboards. From the same family as Tiger Oak and Magic Oak, Coral has a vivid surface appearance with artistically integrated cracks.
“The black cracks through the timber provide visual interest and a nod to the past through subtle imperfection”, says Murray.
The house feels lived in, and is a way of showcasing the owners treasures and exposing a little about their history. A grey oil finish was chosen by the clients which reflects the unique character of the home, and as Murray explains, “provides a link to the colour of the old magnesium brickwork detail.”
Nicholas Murray has a knack with creating modern spaces that feel comfortable, he uses natural materials to achieve honesty in expression and form. Here, mafi is carried up into the island bench which becomes the centre of the new open plan living area.
Photos by Andrew Ashton
