Toowong Lighthouse in Brisbane by Alcorn Middleton.

A surprising textural tableau unfolds at the rear of this classic California Bungalow home. Designed as an extension for a maturing family of five, Alcorn Middleton have brought the romantic stylings of the Santorini coast to the Brisbane ‘burbs, celebrating the family’s close ties to Greece while respecting the elegant vernacular of the existing abode. Resort living has never looked so effortless all within this tight and existing inner-city suburban block.

The contemporary extension is visible from the street, bookending the original home. Rich in whitewashed brick, it features a high set window above a double-height booth situated off the kitchen, giving the project its namesake. Acting as a beacon, it illuminates the night sky while flooding the interior space with sunshine throughout the day.

Related: Walan Apartment in Brisbane by Alcorn Middleton.

The timeless and culture defying elegance of the bricks is the true love story here. Bridging the gap between the modernist form of the Bungalow and the boundless arches of the Aegean addition, their textural aesthetic sculpts the external form and carries through internally to form a masterful feature ceiling.

Orientated around an existing outdoor pool, a sweeping colonnade defines the semi-outdoor al fresco dining and living area. Connecting the original kitchen to the outside, the curved arches gracefully frame both the internal house and the landscaped outdoor backdrop. Its vaulted ceiling creates an internal eave that draws ambient light from the south while protecting from the western sun creating an ideal outside area all year round.

The Cycladic architecture continues upstairs where the kids reign supreme; accessed by a spiral stair the bedrooms each feature an arched juliet balcony and a shared bathroom that sits atop the new addition, their arches following the design language of the colonnade below.

While the formalities of indoor and outdoor living peacefully dissolve with the use of contrasting yet muted materials the bathrooms keep the Santorini dream alive. Striking blue and pink tiles feel as if you’re looking at a horizon off the Aegean coast. The unmistakable deep blue of the Oia church domes line the ceiling with matching bath towels. Further in a sky blue tile and matching walls submerge the view, blending seamlessly with the vista that looks out to the sky and pool.

Now home in all senses of the word this sinuous lighthouse home has the sensibility of a good mullet, business as usual in the front and excellent entertaining (party) in the back.

[Images courtesy of Alcorn Middleton. Photography by Jad Sylla.]