Brunswick House Alterations and Additions Project – Brunswick House 56m2 ground floor new building / 29m2 first floor new building This is an alterations and additions project to an existing single storey weatherboard house in a heritage zone in Brunswick. The existing house was run down and existing ceilings were being propped to hold up a collapsing roof. The corner block is adjacent to an existing high voltage power line.
The sag and sway setback requirements as set out by the power authority meant that a large area of the site was within a no building zone of varying heights and setbacks. Relocation of the power underground was not an option due to the excessive cost and possible delay caused in the building works. To make this project viable we needed to use this major obstacle an asset. A new two storey building to the rear was requested by the client, and a retreat like parent's space needed, to escape the urban confine and provide some separation from young children. The client also specifically requested the use of bright colours.
A sense of privacy was also requested to avoid views from an adjacent apartment building directly into the site. Long views into a park to the north of the site were important. A tight budget required the use of simple timber framed construction, with low maintenance external materials. The no work zones called for a minimal use of external painting. Work requirements adjacent to the power line also meant that external facade works were to be quick to complete. In response to the clients brief and site conditions a restrained form was designed to maximize the building footprint. Glimpses of external colour and an expressive swathe of internal colour reflects the clients wishes.
As a new personality in the street, and now again in this family's life, the new house transforms the site and quality of life of the occupants. Sustainable Design Strategies Site Planning - The front three rooms of the existing building were retained due to heritage restrictions - The new living areas were designed to open up to a north facing rear back yard - Large doors allow ample light and ventilation into the living areas Energy - Low energy light fittings were selected and low energy globes were used - The existing gas hydronic system was retained and extended to the new rooms - The existing heat pump hot water system was reused and connected to the new services Water - Low water usage appliances were chosen Materials - Recycled bricks were used on the parti wall, recycled timber was used on the floors - Water based finishes were used.
