It is always interesting to create new homes and extensions in the northern parts of Australia- it allows the exploration of design for more outdoor living with gardens which are used for most of the year. The brief for Hopetoun Avenue Vaucluse was for an extension to an early 20th century sandstone house on an extremely steep sloping site. The original house was a maze of small rooms and corridors typical of the houses of that era, reconfigured for efficient use but designed to still retain much of its original period charm. A sixty year old lemon.
scented gum grew in the backyard, and this old tree became the pivotal point for the extension. At the rear of the property a new garage was built and a garden built over creating a new useable flat area where was once unusable land. The new area overlooking Sydney harbour allowed for useable garden and lawns, complete with a large pool. For the extension, a series of piles were strategically placed to suspend the new structural works over the lemon scented gum and its root system with the new pavilion wrapping around the large trunk.
A higher level, the bedroom and bathroom are accommodated, sitting amongst the trees spreading canopy, enjoying spectacular views of the harbour. References to LA modernism with simple lines and minimal use of materials are very evident in this and many of BE’s projects. Therefore the pavilion is very light and airy, with simple rectilinear lines and restrained detail. Being from two materials, concrete and timber, this lightness intentionally juxtaposes the solidity of the original sandstone historic form.
The extension is carefully placed, the quality is in every detail from the incorporation of the scented gum to the unusual treetop views to the harbour. The original house blends into its surrounds and preserves the fabric of the original home.
