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pond house – tranquil relaxing outlook

A new chapter for “Marrandillas”

“Marrandillas” is about to turn 117 years old, and it has had a colourful and full life to date. Untouched for over 50 years, this grand old Edwardian manor in Camberwell was practically a museum piece when recently purchased. Countless memories, life changes, hopes and fears have accumulated within her walls — observing the finite human condition, the circle of life. A new family and new circumstances have arrived.

The new century brings the biggest changes for “Marrandillas.” The new owners — a family of five — love the Modern period in artwork and artefacts and wanted to respect the past while reflecting this in their new house extension.

The unique architectural “pod” extensions are connected to the existing house via three glass walkways — to ensure that both the new and old are identifiable and respected. The pods have flat roofs that extend to the north to provide shading, and fold down to the west to offer shelter from the hot afternoon sunlight.

The new reflective pond wraps around the north-west side of the living-room extension, offering a tranquil, relaxing outlook and helping with evaporative cooling during the hotter months. The pond contains fifteen comet goldfish — the new family members who have names such as Graham, Yeti and Shubunkin. Embracing the aquatic experience, access from inside to outside is over the pond via stepping stones.

The extension adds modern life’s zest to a notable period classic, providing a backdrop for future family fun, experiences, and memories.