Additions and alterations

An age-old architectural question is determining an eloquent technique to add to a structure that works cohesively. There is no single correct answer, but we believe that constant debate is necessary. This client commissioned us for a modern expression that fits our sensibilities – a perfect match. Our initial planning study uncovered tight constraints within the zoning setbacks that limited our initial expansion concept. The owner decided they had no desire to seek a variance from the local borough. Fortunately, this caused us to reinvestigate the program, where our second look yielded a richer, more functional, and economical solution. Within these imaginary boundaries, the result is restrained but tailored. We also respected the a... More

This project encapsulated stage 1 of a complete office facility upgrade and overhaul. We established a new lunchroom and amenities block for the office complex whilst providing services enabling subsequent staged upgrading to occur to surrounding facilities. By closing off the existing open end of a “U” shaped group of buildings, a landscaped courtyard was created linking existing offices. An opportunity has been taken to create a circulation core at the southern connection point, which allows disabled access both internally and externally to another building via a new lift. The courtyard created by the new insertion forms an extension of the dining area and together with the lunchroom, serving approximately 400 staff, forms... More

Henry House is a 140-year-old Victorian terrace house that has been refurbished and extended with a contemporary rear ground level extension. This Victorian is one of a pair of double-storey, single-fronted terraces that was originally built in 1878, and is part of the rich history of buildings that line this street in East Melbourne. The house had undergone an earlier renovation by the previous tenants that widened the footprint of the rear ground level rooms to take advantage of the full width of the narrow site. However this earlier renovation still lacked a strong connection with the backyard which had succumbed to overgrowth over time.  The current owners wanted the rear to open up to the garden and have a functional outdoor liv... More

This contemporary addition clearly identifies what is new and what is existing. The living space is filled with warm natural light and is a little haven where you can sit back relax and read.The existing residence has been designed to fit the growing families needs. The new kitchen becomes the central hub of the house and has great access to morning sun. All living areas now receive generous sunlight and have access to a new timber deck. More

The fire station north is located in linz-urfahr. The operational building from the 1970s met in functional and thermal terms not the requirements and standards of modern fire stations. Since the basic substance of the building was ok, a functional renovation and extension of the existing fire station was decided. The design combines clear and efficient functionality with an architectural language appropriate to the construction task.   The aim of the renovation was to give the building a completely new identity while retaining large parts of the supporting and façade structure. All existing windows were renewed, the poorly insulated pre-fabricated concrete elements were largely preserved and insulated. Subsequently, the entire building w... More

Located in a suburban area between Western Springs, Mt Albert, and Morningside, this home is situated on a street full of historic villas. This project focuses on the renovation of a 1900’s character villa, and the addition of a contemporary extension, which sits comfortably within the streetscape.The brief was to replace a recent small addition to the rear of the house with an expansive, open-plan extension that accommodates entertaining. The new addition incorporates living spaces, kitchen, scullery, dining, and outdoor living. The layout of the existing home was also partly reconfigured to incorporate a new master bedroom complete with ensuite and elegant walk-in wardrobe, a new bathroom, a sitting room, and a ‘secret’ media room.In orde... More

The five-storey house is built on a very steep and narrow site with 180° views to the east. The existing house had no distinguishing architectural features, which the architect set out to correct. Adding to the appeal of the additions and alterations is the way the architectural design takes full advantage of the spectacular views that are on offer. The street façade was given a contemporary makeover with striking geometric elements made out of steel and concrete. The eastern and western façades are screened by the use of vertical louvers to allow sun control and degrees of privacy from adjacent properties. The front door opens up to the views through the double volume reception room, whilst the frameless stacking glass doors integr... More

This house was transformed from a 1970s home into a modernist villa. For the additions and alterations the interior walls were removed and an atrium and moat were created around the hall and dining room, with a curtain of water falling past a cut-out in the atrium wall. The outcome of the architectural design is a contemporary home with a double volume living space that opens seamlessly on a 13x6m lanai area. The water feature in the atrium adds the sound of flowing water to the living rooms and is visible from almost everywhere in the living and kitchen areas. The kitchen forms the hub of the home with an open space that is ideal for gatherings. Situated next to the kitchen is the breakfast room and atrium that allows morning light i... More