House on the hill
The aim was to create an efficient, comfortable family home on a typical inner city site, reusing the salvageable front 3 rooms of the existing victorian terrace. The new is confidently different yet sympathetic to the original, with the timber of the new balanced by the brick of the old. On the upper level, windows are strategically punched to frame views of the neighbouring church, the nearby shot tower and the city skyline.
The design allows private zones for adults and children, adaptable living spaces that can be semi- open or enclosed, depending upon mood or weather. It allows views to distant panoramas and private courtyards. It allows for ample light and cross ventilation.
The new works are entirely timber clad- delineating strongly between the old and new. This highlights the age and texture of the existing, throwing it into pleasant relief. The forms are derived from the interior functions with window seats punching through the upper level timber box, and deep set glazing to the north facing garden end. 2 internal courtyards break up the plan into discrete areas, and provide quiet private space- a bonus in the inner city.
As always, the clients and builder contributed greatly to achieving a good result.
The project is built almost entirely of timber- all from sustainable sources. The areas of glazing were carefully designed to limit heat gain in summer, and catch the winter sun. The new floor level has a concrete slab for temperature moderation.
The excellent cross ventilation allows the capture of cooling night breezes in summer.
The project is a good example of retaining what is significant of the existing and enhancing this by highlighting the difference in the new. The new volume on the upper level is separated from the old by a deck, which besides adding to the amenity, allows the 2 eras room to breathe, and gives them both a separate, but equal identity.
