- Our clients came to us with a typical Fremantle weatherboard cottage from the 1920, they wanted to remove the 1950s lean to structure and add a substantial renovation
- In early design conversations with our clients they noted a difference in their personalities, one an introvert the other an extrovert. To Marty, home was a backdrop for entertaining and about being around friends and family. Whilst for Soo home was a sanctuary where she could find space and time for solitude and an escape from the corporate Monday to Friday environment. It also needed to fulfil their needs as a young family.
- Commonality was found in a desire for a well integrated, fluid, casual, light and airy home. Where they could find what they called ‘engaged separation’.
- Acoustic separation was also a consideration.
- We discussed creating an addition that could be identified as new and separate from the existing cottage but that also appropriated some of the material characteristics of the original home and, by extension, the surrounding context.
- The architectural response became a lower linking structure leading into a double volume space contained below a single roof. The linking structure is clad in a dark fibre cement creating a resting point before the back weatherboard addition begins.
- The roof was designed to capture the immediate context, by pitching up towards the northeast and southwest views of tree and sky are captured. The north-western corner of the roof was lowered to provide shelter from sun and glare. Twisting rafters work to connect the roof into a singular form clad in a zincalume double lock standing seam product.
- Sun control is managed through orientation, overhang and limited openings on the western façade.
- The High-level windows in concert with a generous double void space create open bright and airy spaces oriented towards the back garden. Bi-folding windows pull back in the kitchen and dining areas achieve ‘engaged separation’ with the garden.
- In contrast the lounge became a darker more sedated space, tucked below the lower linking structure and existing roof, it is inward facing. A selection of LED lighting strips and wall lights help create a more intimate mood.
- A seating nook and day bed within the kitchen and dining areas also provide alternative spaces for activity.
- Material choices are robust and economical with colour being used to create contrast and drama. We have tried where possible to mimic the aesthetic of older style weatherboard detailing externally.
- Finally an intentionally separate additional bedroom was worked into the planning for regularly visiting family. It is wrapped in cabinetry to provide extra acoustic separation. The bathroom has two-way access from the bedroom and laundry doubling as an ensuite when the bedroom is occupied.
