From the architect:
An existing federation weatherboard cottage, circa 1910, within a Heritage Precinct, in an inner urban context, at the foot of Kunanyi. Earlier changes to the rear lean-to containing Kitchen, utility and bathroom failed to acknowledge the generously proportioned rear garden or address deficiencies in natural light and thermal performance.
The existing cottage is oriented north to street, presenting a challenging proposition to fulfill the client’s brief to create ‘light and bright spaces opening up onto the garden’, exacerbated by the narrow side setbacks typical in the Street.
The approach internally was restrained, retaining the character of the original 5 room cottage. Demolition was limited to removing the lean-to structure and pergola to the south. The original cottage eave line was reinstated, and established garden retained and protected. All demolished materials were salvaged for reuse at another site belonging to the family.
The extension is a dynamic and playful form, bringing an abundance of northern light deep into the home, yet is barely visible from the street, allowing the heritage streetscape to remain intact. Clear delineation is made between old and new, implementing floor level and material changes, which follow site topography, allowing seamless connection to the garden.
The existing shed was integrated into the reconfiguration, bookending the new extension and the cottage. The shed is now a studio, housing the client’s permanent office for their graphic design business. The asymmetric red brick chimney anchors the extension to site whilst taking cues from the surrounding context. The link between cottage and extension is tucked below the existing eave. The restricted ceiling height in this zone provides a logical location for amenities, laundry, bathroom, pantry and storage.
Beyond the link, the new space opens up to a dramatic double storey space containing Living, Dining and Kitchen. High level window apertures flood northern light into the space, belying the fact that the extension faces due south towards the garden.
Working with the challenging orientation and modest budget, extremely cost-effective construction methods were employed including a single spanning roof truss system for the extension. This required minimal structural steel and afforded a highly insulated roof space critical to climatic conditions of a south facing building. We were then able to maximise framed views and draw natural light through modestly proportioned and carefully placed apertures, providing a shifting series of light shafts throughout the day.
An oversize box gutter is concealed within eave outside of the building line, and downpipes concealed within the spotted gum timber clad wall construction which runs seamlessly from inside to outside.
A large thermal mass element, rainwater collection tanks for garden use, hydronic heating and light-coloured roofing maximising solar reflectance, plus the re-use of salvaged materials elsewhere, are integral to the sustainably sensitive design.
The plan arrangement creates a feeling of expansiveness belying the sub 48m2 new building footprint. Borrowed views of garden, the use of simple open portal frames, continuous indoor to outdoor floor surfaces and integrated landscape seating augment the connection to garden and place for the family.
