Optimistic, light filled, youthful and fun. This addition to an inner-west home dynamically negotiates the geometry of the original building whilst addressing a mature and very present tree canopy in the park behind. The roof form unfurls from the existing ridge line like a flag in the wind.

What was the brief?

The design of this addition was driven by a young family’s desire for a light-filled home with engaging spaces to raise children. The grandparents desired to make more regular overnight visits, the two younger children needed their own rooms, and the parents were hoping to retreat away from the living spaces with a first-floor bedroom.

What were the key challenges?

The key challenge for the project was to adding a first floor space with adequate headroom and not exceeding the height of the original roof ridge line and maintaining the character of the street. The planning regulations stipulated that no new form was to rise above this height, unless set back to the rear of the property. This position would have caused substantial overshadowing to the southern neighbour’s living areas and private outdoor space.

What were the solutions?

A solution was found through collaborative effort with Marrickville Council. They agreed for the addition to be attached to the original ridgeline as it was to be detailed in contemporary contrasting roof sheeting and include roof lights to introduce light and cross ventilation to the new spaces. The result is a new form, ‘clipped on’ as a continuation of the extant building fabric.

Key products used:

Cemintel ‘Barestone External’ was chosen for it’s lightweight properties and also dimensions to remove the need for horizontal joints. The vertical joints were expressed to emphasise the rising and lowering of the original and new roof forms.

How is the project unique?

The addition sits well in the rear lane streetscape with its colour palette and scale, but offers a very unique response to the ubiquitous inner-west renovation project. The expressive roof form was devised by tracing the roof lines of the rear of the existing pitched cottage roof and the shallower pitch of the lean to at the rear. The line of the original building is made visible internally by using both plywood and plasterboard wall linings. Mirroring these angels, the new roof launches with what seems an impossible cantilever over the balcony and outdoor areas below offering deep shade and protection from the west, but also opening up to the large tree canopy opposite, bringing this greenery into the architecture form.

What are the sustainability features?

The design proposal has utilised as much of the existing building fabric as possible, and located the new spaces partially within the previously empty roof void. This has reduced the amount of building material required for the alterations and also maintains more light, air and landscaped areas on the site.