The idea behind this rebuild was to convert a double apartment block (Duplex) into a single residence for a young family.
The focus was on re-planning the interior spaces and modernising the home with a fresh new material palette, accessing natural light and ventilation and to provide open plan living areas that connect with north facing outdoor living and private garden adjoining the kitchen.
Essentially, this project converted two original 1940s apartments to form a single, light-filled and inviting family home. Working within the confines of the existing building, two storeys have been linked with a dramatic steel staircase and atrium allowing light to penetrate the centre of the home.
The man challenges were working within the confines of the existing 1940s building and structure and removing bulky 1970s additions from the front and rear of the original as well as creating a large double-height void and gallery for the staircase presented some structural challenges but has provided an abundance of natural light and a focal point for the project.
Other issues encountered included unlocking the plan on both levels to link the two separate apartments with the central stair, removing load bearing walls to form large open plan interiors created opportunities to design a feature ceiling with concealed lighting between the existing and new structural beams and adding a restrained material palette incorporating natural timber, black steel, terrazzo tiles and fresh white walls compliments the dark red brickwork, existing timber floors and steel windows of the original building.
