At first glance, Coburg House might appear as two residences sharing a communal deck. But on closer inspection, you’d see that it’s a generous one-bedroom unit and courtyard extension to an existing two-bedroom home.
In fact, Coburg House is a highly successful multigenerational model residence. A compact and inviting space where the owners’ parents can live independently for many years, and come together on a new, shared communal deck overlooking the garden.
Award-winning architect Delia Teschendorff, Principal, Delia Teschendorff Architecture is the creative mind behind Coburg House. It’s a considered, beautiful design. One that takes into consideration everything needed for easy living in the twilight years – ramp entry into the main home, separate access for the parents into the unit, and ample allowance for wheelchairs or walkers, when and if needed, while being close to the extended family.
The communal deck leads from the main house, acting like a breezeway, with a covered roof, yet open to the garden. And the unit itself includes every comfort imaginable: kitchen, small open living space (including room for a dining table and lounge chair), study nook, and a generous bathroom and bedroom with built-in robes.
It’s an ‘infill densification’ model that we’re likely to see more of in the future. “The parents will be able to live very independently but they will also be able to come together on the communal deck when they want to, and also share the garden; that was a really important element,” Delia says.
The material selection elevates Coburg House from every day to really special. Brickwork is a key feature, incorporated both internally and externally. Renowned for her love of timber, natural materials and locally sourced products, it’s not surprising that Delia recommended Krause bricks. Though Delia had previously used Grampian Blue bricks, in this case, her clients were looking for something lighter, while still offering texture and warmth, given that the parents would most likely be spending significant time in the home.
Enter the slimline Krause Emperor bricks, in Ghost.
“When I saw the Ghost brick, I thought it was just beautiful in terms of the tones. Then watching it being installed, the variation in colours was absolutely beautiful and it reminded me of the Ghost Gum bark. And it works really well with the Silvertop Ash and the light-coloured polished concrete floor,” Delia remarks.
The elongated profile of the Krause Emperor bricks is another standout in the design. Delia had not seen it used before and was delighted with the outcome: “It’s just beautiful. To see it slowly evolve on site was just wonderful, and we’re really thrilled with it. My clients were willing to take the plunge and go with the Ghost brick, and they’re absolutely thrilled with it, too.”
Coburg House is a small yet significant project. “It’s a really successful multigenerational prototype. It could easily be placed on an existing home into a rear back garden; it works so well. The spaces are organised so that they don’t take away from the open areas of the existing house, because it creates good sight lines into the garden, so you still have a wonderful sense of external garden areas,” Delia says.
With such careful consideration given to every aspect of this warm and welcoming design, Delia’s clients and their parents are sure to enjoy living there for many years to come.
Project details
Architect: Delia Teschendorff Architects
Product: Krause Emperor Bricks, Ghost
Builder: CBD Contracting
Photographer: Tatjana Plitt
