PA were commissioned with the project for alterations and additions to an existing “P&O style” residence. Our key approach was a careful negotiation between the preservation & restoration of the existing fabric & the implementation of complementary spaces designed to accommodate a dynamic and ever-evolving family structure.

The addition was designed to establish a dialogue with the existing fabric - interlocking new with old, rather than pursuing the more conventional ‘clean break’ relationship. The detailing and material palette help to reinforce this dialogue.

The central spatial concept for the addition involves the construction of a new pavilion: a spatial container seemingly simple from the exterior, which reveals itself as a voluminous interior sculptured to capture and distribute light deep into the interior. A central skylight tracks the movement of the sun, providing a constantly changing shaft of light illuminating and animating the living spaces. The house provides a variety of spaces to either engage with or retreat from other family members while retaining the kitchen at the core of all social interaction. The plan and section reveal this key planning concept.

The open plan design of the addition dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior, strengthening the connection to the surrounding landscape & facilitating a variety of experiences defined by seasonal changes in the year. The side boundary sits to the north; thus, the challenge was to capture the sun while maintaining privacy in the key living areas. This was achieved through a high level of glazing in the exterior north facing walls of the addition - the exception being one north facing solid brick wall, carefully designed to obstruct the view in from neighbouring houses. The house was instead opened to the park at the west, creating a visual transparency through the house in the east – west direction to experientially extend the site and further integrate the home with its natural surroundings.

The decision to retain the majority of the existing house was imperative to its sustainability given the amount of embodied energy in the existing dwelling. The design of the new elements incorporates key aspects of passive environmental design with a high performing thermal envelope, controlled solar access and abundant cross ventilation.