An addition to an existing interwar residence within Melbourne’s inner east suburb of Kew, saw an approach by Joyce Architects of grounding and sleeving to assist in integrating an existing disconnect between the house in its latent condition and the context of the site. The inherited challenges of the external levels and the orientation and layout of the existing residence were resolved through the insertion of a stone tableau with a lighter glazed pavilion resting upon it. This new datum allowed the inserted glazed addition to both tie into the existing floor level whilst re-addressing the orientation of living zones to the newly harnessed north facing courtyard. The family experience could then be centred and oriented around a new relationship to outside activities, integrating and connecting action within the extension to a variety of external opportunities.

Sun control and privacy are able to be moderated to suit the changing needs of the family for different times of day, year or activity, through a horizontally sliding timber screen, moving along the datum. 

The formal device of the tableau continues into the landscape. This not only houses and protects the pool, whilst creating boundaries for the northern courtyard zone, it importantly acts to ground the platform to hold the lighter addition in a balanced composition against the solid presence of the existing masonry home. The newly defined spaces internally and externally working as a backdrop for the enrichment of family life.