This project involves a conversion of an old semi-detached house into contemporary urban living spaces, using new technology features throughout the house to facilitate a sophisticated and responsive environment. The arrangement of materials and lighting also helped to create the dynamic functional environment that the occupants sought for.

DESIGN DESCRIPTION

The concept for the Brisbane Street house was drawn from the way the clients, an airline pilot and a parks manager, live their lives - a stark contrast to the everyday life of the first occupants of this century-old Perth residence.

While the old house is valued, the design of the new addition is not in any way a replica. Instead, the new spatial program, the relationships between spaces, movement through rooms, flexibility of spaces and the relationship between interior and exterior are different.

The adaptive re-use of this building that had lost its programmatic relevance, and the design of flexible spaces contribute to future proofing and longevity. Passive solar design principles incorporate the orientation of openings, shading, thermal mass and ventilation.

Rainwater harvested from the roof is purified and stored as drinking water, while water collected from the terrazzo-paved terrace and courtyard bath is recycled for toilet flushing. Photo voltaic cells provide a renewable energy source, and in-floor heating and low-energy appliances reduce the household's carbon footprint.

In addition, smart wiring throughout allows for flexibility as evolving programs are accommodated within the existing wiring.

Xeriscape gardening principles also exemplify the clients' commitment to environmental sustainability. Within the courtyard, 200-year old Balga trees have been rescued from areas of urban growth north of Perth.

ACCOLADES

Australian Interior Design Awards, (WA) Residential Design, Best of State 2012

World Architecture Festival Awards, Houses Category Finalist 2012

RAIA (WA) Architecture Awards, Interior Architecture Commendation 2010

Design Institute Australia Awards, (WA) Award of Merit 2011

PRODUCTS

DOORS & WINDOWS
CAPRAL, ARTISAN

METAL ROOFING
FIELDERS STEEL ROOFING, HI-RIB

MOSAIC TILES
BISAZZA AUSTRALIA, 20 X 20 GLASS MOSAIC

BALUSTRADE
BLUESCOPE, HW350

LOUVRES
BLUESCOPE, HW350

APPLIANCES
FISHER & PAYKEL APPLIANCES, IZONNA

DISHWASHER
MIELE AUSTRALIA

STOVE
ZANUSSI

DOOR HARDWARE
CS CAVITY SLIDERS, NEW YORKER

HANDBASIN
REECE HVAC, DESIGN WASHPLANE

SPA BATH
TRADELINK, KOHLER SOK

SMART WIRING
CLIPSAL C-BUS SOLUTIONS

LIGHTS
MONDOLUCE, IGUZZINNI

CURTAINS & BLINDS
CURTAIN BAY, NEDLANDS

BENCHTOP
STAINLESS STEEL

ISLAND BENCH
TERRAZZO AUSTRALIAN MARBLE