|From the Architect |

Conceptual Framework

This double story house was about 40 years old with lounge, kitchen, dining, double garage and a car port on the  ground floor and 3 bed rooms, a bathroom and deck on the  first,. The building was on a 610 sqm sloping lot in Sydney’s south west. The house was facing the street due west and there was a neighbouring house on its north. The house boarded a reserve on its north-east & southern sides.

The client needed to add a home office on the ground floor and an additional bed room with ensuite and a family lounge on the first floor.

The design concept was to develop a simple solution responsive to the orientation, view and environment around it. The concept was also to keep the house naturally ventilated and maximize the use of the structural timber from the existing carport and back veranda for environmental and cost reasons.

Constraints

• There was no opening to the north side of the house and was completely shaded by the adjoining house.
• The client wanted to stay in the home during construction.

Opportunities

• The garage and carport roof could be used to meet the client’s requirement.
• There was a significant amount of useable structural timber available by demolishing the existing carport and back veranda.
• The roof height of the proposed extension could be raised to get winter sun.
• The proposed family area and deck could be placed facing northeast.

Public and Cultural Benefits

Given that the original construction was comparatively unattractive and not in keeping with the rest of the houses in the street, the new facades both facing the street to the west and the reserve to the south and the east enhanced the environment for people using both.

Relationship of Built Form to Context

By giving the house a more striking and solid façade at the front, the house was able to better conform to the houses that surrounded it on the street. The more fluid, transparent, open façade at the back on the southern and north-eastern side was more reflective of the open parkland of the reserve.

Program resolution

The design was able to meet all the requirements of the client, most notably completing the building in the shortest amount of time without significant disruption to their living arrangements.

Integration of Allied Disciplines

The structural and civil engineer was able to help in the process of designing a higher level roof and a drainage system.

Cost / Value Outcome

The use of light weight cladding avoided the need to boost the existing foundation and the use of existing structural timber reduced the cost further.

Sustainability

The use of existing structural material reduced impact to the environment. The maximization of natural ventilation added to the sustainable use of energy in the future.

Response to Client and User Needs

An unintended outcome was that the deck facing the reserve added to both the security environment of the house and the reserve.

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