Located in East Launceston Tasmania sits a Federation house built in 1914, it is home to a family of three. The home had lovely character and charm but interiors were internalised and lacked connection to the backyard. The design approach removes a tired lean-to, making way for a new kitchen/dining extension which focuses out onto a new courtyard and backyard beyond. The internal floor plan has been rationalised to simplify movement through the home and to incorporate an ensuite and laundry within the existing footprint.
The new works draw light deeper into the home and offer multiple places to sit in the sun. A garden and terraced courtyard allows soft connection between inside and out and subtly negotiates a significant level change between inside and the garden beyond.
The new addition is modest in size and references the federation details and finesse through a modern interpretation. Archways of the existing verandah are reinterpreted in vaulted dining ceilings and external shade structures. These subtle curves are further referenced throughout the plan via a sweeping curved bathroom shower and new transition between existing sitting and living rooms.
The outcome is a playful celebration of a humble federation home.
