Melbourne architecture firm B.E.Architecture refurbished an existing period home in Vaucluse, adding a two-storey extension and an outdoor dining space built around the trunk of an old gum tree.
B.E.Architecure wanted to keep the tree as a key feature of the design while creating a contrasting extension to the solid sandstone structure of the original house.
A majority of the new addition was built using thin concrete, with strips around the edge of the building left exposed to stand out against the white rendered finish.
Dark timber clad structural columns and wall panels help to break up the floor-to-ceiling glazing used on both levels of the exterior façade.
An open plan kitchen, dining and living room make up the ground level of the extension and feature concrete flooring, which continues outside to form steps down to the lawn.
Pale timer decking has been used to create a suspended platform outdoor dining space, with a hole and support columns included to preserve the tree.
The branches of the lemon-scented tree rise up through a rectangular indent in the concrete roof, creating a unique treetop setting for the upper level of the extension with views of Sydney Harbour .
Courtesy Dezeen
