Melbourne house gets caravan-style awning

Over the past decade the interior fit-outs of many Australian caravans have been heavily influenced by residential design trends: glass-look and tiled splashbacks, stone-style benchtops, big chrome or matte black mixer taps, ceramic basins and toilets, extra-large fridges, smart TVs and washing machines; the list goes on.

But it’s rare for caravan features to make their way into suburban homes… until now.

Inspired by their camping and caravan holidays, a Melbourne family has rebuilt their 1960s house with a unique caravan-style awning on the back deck.

“Step out of your caravan into the shade and fresh air, protected by a canvas annexe which frames a view of the lush landscape beyond, “ is how Melbourne firm Bent Architecture, who was in charge of the redesign, described the transformation.

Instead of some mesh matting under the roll-out RV awning, there’s  a timber deck, with fixed framework supporting a canvas section that rolls out from under the eaves to provide shade.

A light-filled living room leads out to the ‘awning’ area, and the house dubbed the ‘Bent Annexe’ also incorporates plenty of living plants, inside and out, to provide that natural outdoor experience all year round.

“The new living areas hug the outdoors, giving the impression of a garden creeping inside,” Bent Architecture said.

While not unusual in modern homes, the interior kitchen/living area also mimics the typical open plan RV layout, with plenty of large windows to let in the light, although the soaring cathedral ceilings in the main lounge area offer a bit more headspace than the 2m interior height of your typical Aussie caravan.

Bent said the indoor and outdoor living space, which also incorporates a plunge pool, “creates a home that feels like it’s part of the garden, drawing adults, kids and dogs alike out and into a backyard”.

However, unlike most caravan holidays undertaken in the warmer seasons, the family will have to put up with some chilly Melbourne weather if they want to enjoy their home-camping experience year-round...