Lyons House by Moloney Architects is a contemporary renovation and addition to an existing Federation-era home in central Ballarat, Victoria. Designed for a downsizing couple, the project transforms the formerly dark and disconnected house into a light-filled, energy-efficient home with a strong connection to its garden. The design balances respect for the original home's architectural character with the requirements of modern, accessible living. The design strategy clearly contrasts the new and old by distinguishing between the original double-story home and a low, horizontal extension. The new addition is defined by a shallow, floating roof and is linked to the existing house via a narrow hallway flanked by courtyards. These courtyards pull natural light into the original structure's rooms, which had previously been dark. The interior of the extension features a minimalist material palette of black steel, exposed timber beams, and plywood. This combination creates a sense of warmth and texture while emphasizing the contrast with the exposed structure. The timber, specifically Tasmanian Oak for the beams and Maxi Panel Baltic Birch plywood for the ceilings and walls, adds natural warmth and connects the indoor and outdoor spaces. Large windows and a halo of high-level windows separate the roof from the walls, allowing low winter sun to penetrate deep into the space and warm the polished concrete floors. The roof overhangs are strategically designed to block the summer sun, ensuring thermal comfort year-round. To accommodate the clients' request for a ground-floor bedroom as they downsize, the architects repurposed the original living room into a main bedroom, ensuite, and walk-in robe. Upstairs bedrooms were retained for visiting family and friends. Project credits Architecture: Moloney Architects Builder: Hayden Bromley Building Styling: Hilgar Design Photography: Ben Hosking