A Masterclass in Modernism: Mygunyah by the Circus is a Standout Australian Abode

There are some architectural projects that just have a certain je ne sais quoi about them and, for our money, the phenomenal Mygunyah by the Circus from the creative minds at Australian studio, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design, definitely falls into this category. This isn’t just a house; it’s a breathtaking confluence of old-world charm, contemporary design, and a real celebration of family life. Located in Melbourne’s North Fitzroy, this terraced home from the 19th century has been given a new lease on life with the addition of two thoroughly contrasting yet utterly brilliant brick extensions that have completely transformed its aesthetic and functionality.

The first thing that will capture your imagination about this extraordinary property is its name, which has a captivating backstory. The word “Mygunyah,” which is proudly inscribed on the home’s parapet, is derived from an Australian Aboriginal language and means “my hut” or “my home.” The “Circus” part of the moniker refers to the nearby circular road system, and the two together paint a poetic picture of a home that is both a personal sanctuary and a part of its wider community. Originally built in the 1880s, Mygunyah was one of a pair of terraced homes, but Matt Gibson Architecture + Design has essentially doubled its area to better accommodate a bustling family of seven, all while paying homage to its storied past.

The true magic lies in the two new brick pavilions that sit to the side and rear of the original structure. They’re both distinct in their design, yet somehow work together in an architectural symphony. The first, on the western side of the home, replaces a former strip of garden with a magnificent volume crafted from striking black brick.

This pavilion houses a large family area that opens out onto a timber-decked terrace, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. This extension isn’t just a random addition; it’s a direct and clever reference to the neighbouring Arts and Crafts home, featuring a steeply pitched, timber-lined roof with a central skylight and an exaggerated chimney that juts out from a cosy-looking wood burner. It’s a bold, contemporary statement that still feels deeply rooted in its surroundings.

Then, there’s the second pavilion at the back of the property, which replaced a previous, less successful addition. This one is rendered in a pale, rough brickwork that offers a compelling contrast to the black brick of the other extension. It’s topped by an asymmetrical gable roof and punctuated by charming, narrow arched windows that give it an almost whimsical feel.

This volume contains the ground-floor kitchen and dining space, with a bedroom tucked away above, and it extends outwards to shelter a paved terrace that overlooks the meticulously landscaped garden. The architects have brilliantly handled the transition between old and new. Internally, a mixture of exposed and white-painted brickwork demarcates the old from the new, and a narrow gap between the two extensions forms a thoughtful walkway that cuts through the entire site.

And let’s not forget the garden, which has been designed with just as much precision as the house itself. It’s been cleverly divided into a series of “rooms” — including a kitchen and picnic area — separated by fragrant walls of climbing jasmine. These green dividers are punctuated by metal-framed openings that align perfectly with an opening in the side extension, creating a wonderfully layered and intriguing series of views. Mygunyah by the Circus is a masterclass in how to expand and modernise a heritage property without losing its soul. It’s a truly spectacular Australian abode and a testament to the power of considered, creative architecture.

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