Spaces draw in breezes and daylight, diffused indirectly into all four sides of the central pavilion, delivering a private and luminous setting for family life. This spatial arrangement eliminates all wasted corridor space and frames unexpected views deep into the garden. The outcome is a functional, accommodating family home with enough space in which its residents can comfortably work, play, and live.
The Design Brief
This project saw a single-storey, three-bedroom cottage on a small lot with a dual frontage renovated to better cater to the young, growing family who reside in it.
The original cottage was run down and lacked adequate living and storage space. The family needed more bedrooms, a professional office to run a home-based business and modern amenities.
Architectural Response
The decision to raise the original house to form its upper level and fully maximise the garden space of the small 425 metres² lot was made. The original house was raised, and its rooms and wet areas were repurposed as the upper-level family sleeping, bathing, and parent retreat.
The new ground floor centres around a large, high-ceilinged central family pavilion, containing the kitchen, living, and dining areas. A sculptural screen hides kitchen clutter from the living areas while allowing those in the kitchen to engage with others in the adjacent living areas.
The calm, introspective living pavilion is serviced by a surrounding layer of supporting spaces, including a butler’s pantry, office, seating alcoves, utility room, stairwell and two verandahs.
Photography Credits: Peter Kilkelly
Kind Words
Designing homes that adapt to the seasons.