Modern Mud Brick Home Extension in Montmorency, Melbourne

Clients: Rod Brown

Location: Montmorency

This project in Montmorency, Melbourne is a great example of how a thoughtfully designed front of home ground level extension can completely transform both the functionality and street presence of an existing property.

Originally a modest mud brick house, the home lacked a clear entry, functional layout and the space expected in modern living. Our solution was a tailor designed, single storey addition built at the front of the home—creating a bold yet complementary contrast between old and new.

The result is a modern home extension that enhances the home’s character while significantly improving everyday liveability—something many homeowners across Melbourne are now looking to achieve without relocating.

Project Overview

This ground floor extension was carefully designed to integrate with the existing mud brick home while introducing a strong contemporary identity.

The extension includes:

• Double garage (2 car garage)
• New front entry
• Master bedroom
• Walk-in robe
• Luxury ensuite

By building forward into the existing front yard, the project redefines the home’s presence—creating a more functional layout and a clear, welcoming entry.

A Contemporary Approach to a Mud Brick Home Extension

Extending a mud brick home requires a balance between respecting the original structure and introducing modern functionality.

Rather than attempting to replicate the existing materials, this project embraces contrast—delivering a modern extension that highlights the unique character of the original home.

This approach is increasingly popular for custom home extensions Melbourne, particularly when working with older homes and character properties throughout Melbourne’s northeast and surrounding suburbs.

Architectural Design & Street Appeal

One of the key outcomes of this project was improving the home’s street presence.

The front of home ground level extension introduces clean lines, strong geometry and contemporary materials that elevate the overall appearance.

Key design features include:

• Parapet wall to the garage concealing the flat roof
• Feature standing seam Colorbond cladding to external walls
• Integrated double garage door design
• Flat metal roofing for a modern profile

These elements combine to create a refined architectural outcome that enhances both the home and the surrounding streetscape—an increasingly important consideration for homeowners across Melbourne.

Material Selection & Detailing

Material selection played a critical role in achieving a cohesive yet contrasting result.

The extension incorporates:

• Feature premium carbon neutral bricks from Island Block & Paving
• Standing seam metal cladding
• Flat metal roof construction
• Oregon timber barges to the skillion roof

The use of Oregon timber barges was a deliberate detail—tying the new extension back to the existing roof structure and reinforcing the home’s original character.

This combination of materials ensures the extension feels intentional, unique and well resolved, aligning with the expectations of modern home extensions across Melbourne.

Improving Functionality Through Design

Beyond aesthetics, the project significantly improves how the home functions.

The new layout delivers:

• A defined and welcoming front entry
• A private master suite with ensuite and walk-in robe
• Secure off-street parking with a double garage
• Better spatial flow throughout the home

This is a key advantage of a ground level extension—it allows you to reconfigure how the home works without the complexity of building upward, which is a common preference for many Melbourne homeowners.

Custom Designed for the Home and Site

Every project we deliver is custom designed to suit the home, the site and the way our clients live.

In this Montmorency project, building forward into the front yard allowed us to:

Maximise usable internal space
Improve street presence
Maintain the integrity of the original mud brick structure

The result is a tailor designed extension that feels cohesive, functional and architecturally considered—reflecting the growing demand for high-quality, custom home extensions Melbourne homeowners can rely on.

Thinking About a Mud Brick Home Extension in Melbourne?

This project highlights what’s possible when extending a mud brick home using a modern, well-considered approach.

If you’re planning a ground floor extension, modern home extension, or a front of home addition—whether in Montmorency or elsewhere across Melbourne—working with a builder who understands both character homes and contemporary construction is essential.

Explore our home extensions Melbourne services

Mastercraft Construction
Custom home extensions built for modern living