CH House responds to rapid change in density to the subject sites immediate surrounds and seeks to provide privacy and spatial relief on a tight site in Clifton Hill.

The design approach for CH House revolved around a central North facing courtyard and pushing a new master bedroom and ensuite to the rear site boundary, which not only secures the site from the laneway but provides privacy from neighbouring buildings. A roof terrace above the new bedroom volume gives back private outdoor space to the occupants and serves as the primary outdoor entertaining zone. Timber clad volumes and operable timber screens enable levels of privacy to be adjusted according to the seasons and when entertaining. A gallery linkage separating the master bedroom with the new living areas provides acoustic separation and enhances the experience when moving throughout the house.

The existing house was overlooked by several neighbouring buildings, whilst the new addition provides complete privacy and an internal outlook. A landscaped central courtyard and a elevated outdoor entertainment zone on the roof terrace provide multiple living options of generous proportions on what is a relatively small inner city site.

Built to the rear laneway boundary, this project has been heavily influenced by its surrounding context. Overlooking properties to the North and East led to the idea of a central private courtyard providing internalised views from the living room. An existing ‘saw-tooth’ brick wall to the neighbouring building to the East, provides a backdrop to the gallery space linking the two new building volumes.