Image Credit : Fraser Marsden
Project Overview
A remarkable transformation of a compact 1970s two storey townhouse into a light filled home with a tactile and finely detailed modernist aesthetic. A timber lined roof deck provides city views and surprising external space on a small block. A new garage, laundry and toilet on the ground floor improves liveability. Every detail and thorough understanding of the clients requirements have been carefully considered resulting in a project where no detail was overlooked and functionality greatly improved. An exquisite finely detailed brass handrail adds a level of drama and quality and catches the western sun as it comes through the first floor window into the centre of the ground floor. Subtle yet effective changes to the existing openings allow light to enter into the centre of the house dramatically altering the quality of light in the interior. A new oak timber batten ceiling and slate floor reinforce the desired Modernist character of the house and provide robust materials that give the project an honest and durable character. The new roof deck, carefully designed kitchen and bathrooms create spaces that defy the limitations of its existing area, subtly drawing the interior out and exterior in.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Architect: Thomas Winwood Architecture
Builder: Built 4 Life
Building Surveyor: Construction Planning and Economics
Environmental Consultant: Greencheck
Structural Engineer: Adams Engineering
Project Brief
The client grew up in a modernist home designed by his father and the brief was to capture the feel of mid-century Australian homes in a contemporary way.
The project contributes to a tradition of poetic Australian modernist Architecture that was often modest and resourceful yet represented larger ideals. The design makes the most of the existing conditions whilst using up to date materials and careful design to enrich the character of the residence, sustainability and functionality of the small spaces. This project is a brilliant example of making small spaces feel spacious, highly functional and create excitement, drama, and calm through excellent design and interior decoration.
Within the existing house the brief was for a reconfigured kitchen and dining area, improved relationship to external spaces and a new bathroom to replace an existing bathroom and laundry on the first floor. A new garage with timber lined roof deck and downstairs toilet and laundry was added in the under utilised space along the side of the house.
Project Innovation/Need
As space becomes precious in inner city urban environments exemplary projects that show how design can make a valuable contribution to the success, sustainability and liveability of smaller houses and apartments are vital. The timber lined roof deck over the garage, series of smaller external spaces with different orientations and blending the old and new so it is hard to distinguish what is existing and new is an excellent example of what can sustainably achieved through renovation.
A calm light filled space with refined detailing was desired and achieved. Thomas Winwood Architecture worked closely with the builder, engineer and cabinet makers to achieve cost effective and efficient design solutions and construction methods. Combined with thorough material research this achieved a high level of finish using robust materials for a modest budget.
Design Challenge
The primary challenge was how to make the most out of a compact site and small dwelling that had a dated character with a modest budget. Added to this was the desire to create a project that possessed the honesty, beauty and character of exemplary Australian modernist homes.
Material research and precise detailing combined with an excellent client/architect relationship show what can be achieved with a modest budget on a small site. The client has stated that the project has exceeded their expectations. They are delighted by the quality of the light, performance of the kitchen and bathroom and the level of detailing and craftsmanship. Considerable work went in to discussing the functional requirements of the small spaces to ensure they would perform as hoped. The attention to detail and suggestion of items such as the timber batten ceiling to reinforce the character of the project resulted in a project that does not feel compromised despite it's size and budget.
Sustainability
As a sympathetic renovation of an existing building the project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the potential of the existing is harnessed and brought to life through new interventions within the space. New insulation, new double glazing, new openings to improve daylight, improved cross ventilation, harnessing thermal mass and appropriate and long lasting materials greatly improve the sustainability of the existing house. Energy efficient appliances and fixtures, LED lighting help reduce the energy requirements of the project. LOW VOC paints, FSC certified timbers and re-use of existing split face concrete blocks and pavers further promote the use of sustainable products. The modest scale of the project, 131m2 floor area, is an example of what can be achieved in a compact residence. The project will hopefully encourage the design of clever and effective smaller residences that are well built with robust materials and subsequently contribute to increasing their appeal. As space becomes precious in inner city urban environments exemplary projects that show how design can make a valuable contribution to the success, sustainability and liveability of smaller houses and apartments are vital.
Architecture - Residential - Constructed
This award celebrates the design process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Consideration given for material selection, technology, light and shadow.
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