17 Warragamba Cres, Leumeah Heights, NSW, Australia
Client:
Dr. Nahid Siddiqui
Sydney and Canberra based Architectural firm 'Ideas Architects- Iftekhar + design associates' has gained extensive experience in architecture and urban design in Australia particularly in residential, institutional and commercial developments. Bangladeshi origin Architect Iftekhar Abdullah, principle of Ideas Sydney wing , is an A+ member of Australian Institute of Architects and accredited professional of Green Building Council Australia (GBCA). The following residence is an alteration & addition project located in south west of Sydney.
|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.
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.
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.
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.