Camperdown, 201sqm
For a family of three, the brief required a new first floor to accommodate two new bedrooms, a bathroom and a study. The existing single-storey house was retained in full and the new staircase and laundry neatly slotted into the old study. The form of the asymmetric addition is a rhythmic expression of its functional requirements where the design was carefully considered to maintain amenity to the surrounding buildings whilst maximising natural light and privacy within. A new garage and studio to the rear was also constructed and balances the design of the new first-floor addition to the house. The building boldly addresses its prominent position at the junction of two laneways with an impressive artwork on the garage door by artist Nico Nicoson.
On the ground floor, only small changes were required to dramatically transform the existing living and dining rooms - the existing walls were thickened to conceal the new first-floor structure, the timber floors were refinished, the wallpaper was replaced with a fresh coat of paint, and new full height sheer curtains replaced the impractical roller blinds covering the existing bi-fold doors.
A critical part of the design brief was for a set of stairs that would be comfortable and well-lit. The generous solid blackbutt stair incorporates concealed LED lighting under each tread and the staircase is naturally lit from above by a large window and skylight.
The new first-floor bathroom is bright and serene, designed with a neutral material palette that is enhanced by the textural variation of the tiles.
Inside the studio is a simple open-plan space under a raked ceiling. A small kitchenette and wardrobe bridges the living and sleeping spaces and the design of the windows take advantage of tree and sky views without compromising on privacy to and from the building.
Builder: Geometric Construction | Structural Engineer: Burgess Arnott & Grava | Photographer: The Palm Co.