![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/dark-brick-modern-home-040321-1219-01.jpg)
Australian architecture firm Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB) has designed the transformation of an existing heritage building in Melbourne and created a modern two-story addition.
A refined and subtle palette of dark brick, steel, and timber, gives the home a contemporary appearance, while the brick design and large windows allow natural light to filter through to the interior.
![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/dark-brick-modern-home-040321-1219-02.jpg)
The interior of the addition showcases the dark brick walls, as well as a wood ceiling, and a see-through fireplace that can be enjoyed from both the kitchen and the living room.
![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/modern-interior-dark-brick-concrete-fireplace-040321-1219-03.jpg)
The kitchen shares the space with the dining room, however, it’s the matte black kitchen cabinets that line the wall that command attention.
![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/modern-black-kitchen-design-040321-1219-04.jpg)
A new bedroom has a simple yet modern design that takes advantage of the light through the hit-miss brickwork at the end of the closet.
![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/modern-bedroom-design-040321-1219-05.jpg)
There’s also an en-suite bathroom that opens up to a courtyard that connects the old and new sections of the home.
![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/modern-bathroom-design-040321-1220-06.jpg)
A central focus of the interior is the sculptural staircase, which is set under a folding origami, timber-lined ceiling.
![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/modern-stairs-wood-ceiling-040321-1220-07.jpg)
At the top of the stairs, there’s a custom-designed study nook that has a clear view of the angled ceiling.
![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/modern-stairs-wood-ceiling-040321-1220-09.jpg)
Here’s a variety of plans that show how the new addition was built in relation to the original heritage home.
![](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/house-plans-040321-1218-10.jpg)