Away from public view, this project is an exercise in modernism that embodies the hidden character experienced within Melbourne’s inner city. Drawing from Eastern philosophies of being at one with nature, we aimed to create a secluded home with a strong connection to its garden. Service areas such as garage, laundry, water tanks and storage are buried below ground to make land available for private open space. Behind boundary walls, the living zones of the new extension are defined by a black frame with sliding glass panels blurring the boundary between the garden and the living space within. Further containment of the site was created by wrapping the garden with a high fence and screen trees to create a secure and private open setting. The interiors have a restrained palette of natural materials to enhance the connection with nature. The defining mass of the building sits as an elevated screened container, positioned to conceal the view of adjacent buildings beyond and protect the urban sanctuary within.