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This house presents a non-standard response
to a standard building type. The architecture
embraces the terrace layout, providing a
rich composition of individual spaces, each
expertly considered and tailored to a very
specific client brief, all offering moments of
revelation and surprise.
The exterior of the house left entirely
untouched gives no clue to the beautifully
crafted spaces that lie within. This adds to the
sense of departure from the world outside
when one steps through the front door into
the deliberately acoustically deadened entry
space. In a playful approach to individual client
needs, the series of space that then unfold
exhibit flashes of personality together with a
deft handling of the functional necessities of
the home – a sunken lounge retreat; an open
air bathroom lightwell; an external staircase
creating an unusual but highly successful
circulation loop.
The result is a house filled with character that
shows off the architect’s sensitivity to the
client’s individuality. It accomplishes a design
that challenges the typical response to terrace
renovation and is inventive and delightful to
inhabit.
Photo: Katherine Lu
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - HOUSES (ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS)
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Double Life House
Breathe Architecture
The expansion of this suburban house creates
a sense of generous space and light within a
modest two-storey rear addition. The design
approach applies innovative solutions to
a familiar brief, which skilfully enriches the
domestic experience and gives the illusion of
much larger spaces.
The addition, partially separated from the
original building, is a compact sequence
of spaces that unfold in three dimensions;
improving connections within the existing
house whilst expanding into the garden.
The strategic move of creating a generous
internal void within a tight plan emphasises
a dialogue between levels, creates a sense of
spaciousness and forms a centrepiece around
which surrounding spaces are organised.
Long sight lines cut diagonally throughout
the house and culminate in a collection of
wedge shaped spaces on the rear façade,
each containing functions such as a daybed,
study desk and storage, whilst providing deep
apertures that carefully control the building’s
interactions with its surroundings.
Throughout the house, a sense of movement
is gently amplified as sight lines continuously
expand and contract, and spaces are filled
with ever-changing daylight conditions.
Together the spaces feel wonderfully animated
yet appropriate to their modest intentions.
Photo:Brett Boardman
Unfurled House
Christopher Polly Architect
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