Clarksville House by Side Angle Side

Side Angle Side transforms Clarksville House from a dated mid-century bungalow into a light-filled contemporary home that embraces its natural surroundings.

The house, originally built in 1953, had a fragmented layout and little connection to its lush backyard. A compact two-bedroom, two-bathroom dwelling with a small, enclosed kitchen, it lacked the openness and flow that the owners Sarah Mitchell and Ernesto Humpierres needed as they prepared to welcome twins. Wanting to remain in their beloved neighbourhood, they engaged Side Angle Side to design a home that would feel contemporary yet deeply rooted in its context.

The rear of the house was opened up, with raised ceiling heights and full-height glazing that frames views of the sprawling live oaks beyond.

Preserving the dwelling’s character was key. The front facade, with its original brick and board-and-batten detailing, remains intact, while a new second storey is subtly set back to minimise its visibility. Many of the original steel casement windows were retained, along with the red and white oak floors, and salvaged longleaf pine from the roof was repurposed for the playroom ceiling. The mid-century pastel bathrooms, still in pristine condition, were left untouched – a nod to the home’s history.

The primary focus was on light and connection to the outdoors. The rear of the house was opened up, with raised ceiling heights and full-height glazing that frames views of the sprawling live oaks beyond. In the living room, a steel-framed volume extends outward, drawing the landscape into the home. “The lot is endowed with lush foliage and spectacular live oak trees, but you could barely see any of it from inside,” says Arthur Furman, founding partner at Side Angle Side. “The floor-to-ceiling glass brings that lushness directly into the space. We even bumped the living room out further as a steel-and-glass box to exaggerate the experience of being surrounded by plants and trees while relaxing in the living room.”

A warm, textural palette creates a seamless dialogue between old and new.

A warm, textural palette creates a seamless dialogue between old and new. Working with interior designer Joe Holm of Holm Design, the team developed a scheme that prioritises material honesty – plaster walls, minimally treated wood and aged metal finishes form a quiet backdrop, allowing the natural setting to take centrestage. The interiors feel layered yet restrained, with each element carefully chosen to enhance a sense of calm.

The layout was also reimagined to accommodate modern living. The once-cramped kitchen now flows into the dining and living areas, encouraging movement and interaction. A deep blue library creates a striking moment of contrast, offering a retreat-like atmosphere, while the primary bedroom – now positioned on the second floor – captures sweeping views through carefully framed windows.

In balancing old and new, structure and softness, Side Angle Side has created a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Architecture by Side Angle Side. Interior design by Holm Design. Build by Waller Building Company. Landscape design by Sarah Mitchell.

The interiors feel layered yet restrained, with each element carefully chosen to enhance a sense of calm.