You don't want to move from your suburb, yet can't bear the thought of knocking down and starting again. So what's the alternative? Just extend. This contemporary, modular system from Atlas Living is a sleek, alternative way to add space
When I think about maximising space in a home, I often gravitate to the idea of knocking down walls and renovating the pre-existing space rather than building on. This is mostly due to my thinking that extensions tend to be expensive projects, however, Atlas Living has recently changed my perception with its Mod 90 - a linked extension that comes in a pre-designed form.
The Mod 90 linked extension offers a large combined living/dining/kitchen zone, one spacious bedroom with built-in storage and a long ensuite with an extra wide shower. A glass link will connect it to an existing home, providing that extra space you could be looking for.
It's on display in a couple of locations around Adelaide: at Cavan*, and a newer, contemporary version, which is pictured here, at Atlas Living's Clovelly Park display village. There it's displayed with two outdoor decks - one shown with an outdoor kitchen - and these are among the many optional extras clients can choose from when configuring a linked extension to their existing home.
The Mod 90 is 6m wide and 14.2m deep and, according to Atlas Living's marketing manager Juliet Haslam, it's proving a popular alternative for homeowners who are renovating. "Many people look to build a traditional extension and are blown away by how expensive it can be, but an Atlas Living Linked Extension is a very affordable and appealing alternative, " she says.
"It allows optimal use of your backyard space and results in less mess and disruption to your family life compared to conventional extensions." If you watched The Block this season, you would have seen this concept successfully executed, whereby modern extensions were seamlessly built on to the back of traditional bungalow and villa-style homes.
This melding of old and new sometimes can be hard to get right, yet the new Mod 90 display at Clovelly Park shows homeowners how the simple, classic layout can be effective and ideal to add to many of Adelaide 's older character homes. "The new Modular 90 is a contemporary twist on an old favourite, demonstrating current and interesting architectural trends, " Juliet says.
This can be seen the moment you walk the through the glass breezeway link at the display, where the contemporary styling, on -point colour palette and fluid space feel like an easy continuation of a home rather than an extension. Compared to the Cavan* display, the Clovelly Park Mod 90 feels more open and contemporary - an integral change, says Langridge Group architect
Sarah Swincer, who is also associated with the Sarah Homes, Gallery Living and Atlas Living brands. "The main differences are in the external form; we have really played with articulating the new Mod 90 by pushing and pulling the design, creating alcoves both internally and externally," Sarah says.
"The other main difference would be the roof, which is displayed as a skillion at Cavan*." Although minor changes structurally, they make all the difference visually, with alcoves creating storage solutions, updated kitchen finishes and the 2.7m-high standard ceilings making the design feel up to the minute , with all the latest home must-haves.
The amount of storage included in this build is a standout, especially the integrated wall of storage in the sleek white and timber-look kitchen, as well as the in-built shelves in the living room and alcove storage in the luxurious double shower.
The attention to detail in this design is outstanding, from the modern finishes to the large windows making it bright, to features such as placing the main bedroom behind the kitchen for ultimate privacy. It's clear each area has been carefully designed to make the most of the 87sqm layout. "It provides the perfect option to expand rather than relocate," Juliet says.
"It's stylish, roomy, modern, open -plan living that can be linked to your current home and a seamless flow for year round indoor-outdoor living, with dual decks and an integrated barbecue area for entertaining." Initially, I looked at this design as providing extra space for parents, through the master suite, but this area could easily be turned into a teenager 's oasis or guest zone, or for extended family to have their own wing.
With this type of flexibility , it's no wonder designs like the Mod 90 are being noticed by owners of existing homes. "Linked extensions are really catching the market's attention and this particular design is very versatile and meets a wide range of needs," Juliet says.
"We can upgrade or add anything, from exterior materials to cabinetry and benchtops or sanitary fixtures, the new Mod 90 is a contemporary twist on an old favourite. "
The Sunday Mail Home Magazine
For more information about the house in this story please look at the Mod 90.
*No longer on display at Cavan
