The extension in Preston in the northern suburbs of Melbourne is a perfect example of the way that Freda combines the raw aesthetic of 'off-the-shelf' trusses, poles and zincalume steel sheet with a rich combination of coloures glass tiles, beautiful Australian timber benchtops and light plywood cupboards. All these elements are arranged so that the distinction between inside and outside is melted away in both summer and winter.

 

The pergola is constructed from lightweight galvanised steel trusses and radially sawn hardwood beams to support a deciduous vine which will shade the north-facing windows in summer. When the leaves fall in winter the pergola and vine stalks will have a very light appearance due to the sparse structure.