■ A renovation and extension to the rear of a Victorian cottage in Kensington, Victoria Australia.
■ The owner, a single professional loved her charming 2 bedroom cottage but found the spaces dark, tired and basically in need of repair.
■ A neighbouring 2 storey extension compromised her privacy to the rear living spaces and the backyard, effectively reducing the usability of the property.
■ A small 1970’s sun-room extension was removed and replaced with a black steel and glass small extension. Large picture frame windows supply light and outlook to the existing structure.
■ A new timber deck extends the living space and wraps up over the boundary fence to create a unique privacy screen.
■ This folding / wrapping theme is continued inside with joinery bench-tops rising vertically in the new kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
■ A landscaped rear backyard oasis featuring native Western Australian vegetation provides a truly private relaxing space for the owner to enjoy and connect with her Perth routes.
■ Whilst the total footprint of the house has actually been reduced the owner now titles her dwelling ‘Kensington Palace’ a reference to the perceived abundance of space and light along with the elevated standard of amenities.
STOREY LINES Achieving elegance via modesty
With thoughtful design and a rigorous review of the owner’s requirements, a great build need not be large, costly and excessive to achieve an elegant fitting outcome.
By challenging and identifying the ‘wants’ from the ‘needs’ a better understanding can be realised and lead to a more focussed and cost effective outcome.
A larger space was not required but a better use of space, privacy and a connection to the outdoors was important. The renovation and extension works replace a larger but inefficient building with a smaller but smarter space.
Filled with natural light, great access to the landscaped garden and the abundance of borrowed views from neighbouring vegetation this new extension adds modern life to a tired Victorian cottage
Audience: home owners, home builders, architects & designers
KEY FEATURES
■ Privacy from the 2 storey neighbour achieved with a unique vertical extension of the timber deck wrapping up and over the boundary fence line.
■ Privacy oasis with native Australian vegetation
■ Sympathetic response to neighbourhood character
■ Integrity of historic house and details retained
■ Original period streetscape retained
■ Maximisation of daylight and cross ventilation
■ Strong connection with outdoors
■ Extensive use of natural finishes & recycled materials
■ Low maintenance finishes
■ Modest sized living creating a large sense of space
■ Restricted material and colour pallet
ARCHITECTS STATEMENT
■ My aim for this project was to create a modern extension which addresses the client’s requirements, of updated amenities and privacy whilst challenging the excessive nature of a typical build.
■ The project was a great opportunity to explore the notion of constraint, restricted size, texture and material to create an enticing, relaxing private space. With spaces working smarter I enjoyed challenging the idea of excess.
PROJECT QUOTES
“Welcome to my humble abode, Kensington Palace!” - Owner
“The timber deck structure is the best room in the whole house; a haven with privacy, outlook and nature” - Nic Owen
