Sometimes it’s better to just cut your losses and start fresh. Other times, particularly with residential buildings, budget and time constraints will render total demolition infeasible. For this alteration to a 1950s home in Brisbane, the architects chose to pursue the latter option with a unique twist.
M Project, so called because of its distinct sculptural M roof form at its rear, saw the exiting building stripped back to basics, raised, and then built in-and-under to meet the needs of the current occupants.
This method allowed Studio 15b to clear the house of the years of ad hoc renovations and start fresh with a clean slate but on the existing foundations. It also enabled them to re-orientate the spaces to best suit the northern rear aspect and create that double gable roof form for the home.
From the street, it appears that only a little work has been done
From the rear the extent of the works is in full view span
Inside the house, the full extent of the new alterations and additions is experienced. This begins with the glazed entry pod to the side of the home that allows a transparent connection to the rear garden.
The downstairs area houses a new double garage and laundry, but bedrooms, a small living space and kitchenette will accommodate the grandparents when they visit. The lower level of the home has been split by 600mm to work better with the existing contours providing a three-metre-high ceiling to the lower living spaces and bedroom.
The glazed entry pod with garden views
The lower level of the home has been split by 600mm to work better with the existing contours providing a three-metre-high ceiling to the lower living spaces and bedroom.
A new timber batten staircase connects to the upper level which contains the main kitchen, living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms and study.
The existing upper ceiling over the new open planned living spaces has been removed to expose the existing roof structure, allowing a double raked clerestory that extends inside to out. This design decision has driven the striking external rear elevation, which takes advantage of northern light and valley views.
Stacked outdoor decks provide the owners with ample outdoor living space to enjoy.
Externally, the existing weatherboards have been complimented with modern lightweight materials and a nod to the previous family additions with elements of face brickwork.
PRODUCTS
TILED ROOFING
MONIER MARSEILLE TERRACOTTA RANGE, COLOUR: 'SUNSET'
SHEET ROOFING & CAPPINGS
BLUESCOPE LYSAGHT TRIMDEK SHEETING & CAPPINGS, COLORBOND: ‘BASALT’
EXTERNAL WALLS
JAMES HARDIE ‘SCYON AXON’ CLADDING
JAMES HARDIE ‘HARDIEFLEX’ SHEETING
EXISTING & NEW WEATHERBOARD CLADDING
EXTERNAL PAINT COLOURS
DULUX ‘SUBDUE HALF 78’
DULUX ‘TO MATCH COLORBOND - BASALT’
DULUX‘NATURAL WHITE’
CLEAR FINISHED TIMBER
INTERNAL PAINT COLOUR
DULUX ‘NATURAL WHITE’
CLEAR FINISHED TIMBER
INTERNAL DOORS
CORINTHIAN "DECO 4D"
