| |
Inner suburban cottage, close to the beach.
Major drawback was the lack of living space and miniscule
dining area with an intrusive and useless Victorian fireplace
and hearth. Previous renovations had created cathedral ceilings
and removed all period features. Outside, a ramshackle pergola.
A clean slate approach was needed.
Major aims included opening the house up to embrace life beyond
and maximising sun/light penetration. The tiny block (160
sqm) is corner situated. The logical design response was to
diagonalize the addition, elongating the SW perspective and
integrating internal and external living areas. |
 |
 |
Wide opening doors complete the integration of
indoor and outdoor. Impressive structural gymnastics in the
roofspace allows the extension to be unemcumbered by visible
supports.
The finely tuned renovation has eliminated the poky aspects
of the property in favour of maximising flow, harmony in design
and habitability in a new/old House |
 |
Having lived in the house for a few years, the owners had decided
that they liked the area - an 'average' inner-middle northern
suburb, but if they were to stay the house needed renovation.
The bathroom was decaying, the winter dash to the outdoor loo
was daunting and the primitive charms of the kitchen were fading.
While non-descript from the street, the interior of the 1941
timber cottage contained many art deco features and was in keeping
with their lifestyle. The decision to renovate was made and
an architect was commissioned.
As well as the obvious, the architect's brief was to preserve
the best in the existing character of the property, in a way
that reflected modern life. |
 |
The owners were open to suggestions about how best to accommodate
their requirements. Mary Ann Jackson presented three schematic
solutions ranging from small three bedroom home with maximum
resale potential to a design that was tailored to best suit
the immediate needs of the clients. It transpired that they
really wanted two independent studies overlooking the garden
to accommodate the work they did at home.
Budget concerns that the property not be overcapitalised had
to be balanced against the reality that the owners were not
in a position to assist in the construction or finishing of
the building work. A full complement of new, serviced rooms
was needed as well as additional floor space for a relocated
and enhanced second study/guest bedroom. |
 |
 |
Total construction costs to the owners were curtailed by scheduling
theworks to minimise the amount of time required in rented accommodation
for themselves and a cat. |
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
