Additions & Alterations: Eastern Suburbs, Sydney
 

The design is predominantly associated with additions and alterations to the rear of an existing building. Minor additional works are associated with the front of the building.

The site is oriented from the north (street front) to the south (rear). The existing building is situated to the north (front) of the block. The aspect of the site faces south and the existing building is located on the ‘top’ end of the site. Given this topography access to additional north light is problematic.

The massing of the extension is entirely behind that of the existing building, with a clear distinction between the ‘old’ and the ‘new’, which is denoted by significant changes in the materials.

The rear extension is delineated from the original main house by a narrow glazed vertical ‘band’. To the west this ‘band’ takes the form of full height glazing at each level. To the east the glazing is confined to levels 1 and 2 and sits in front of the new spiral stair. The glazing ‘band’ extends across the roof (in the form of a sky/roof light). The glazed sky/roof light provides a well of sunlight to the interior of the building that, through the use of voids, filters sunlight through to the lower levels.

The proposed extension takes full advantage of the natural orientation of the site and maximises glazing to the south (rear). This provides the internal living spaces with good ‘daylight’ that does not carry the heat loading associated with direct sunlight.

A clear distinction is made between the ‘old’ existing building and the ‘new’ extension. The language of the ‘metal sheet skillion roofed extension’ is maintained, yet it is given a fresh dialogue. The roof slopes back toward the box gutter junction with the original building. The pitch and aspect of the skillion roof provides a section of roof facing directly north which is suitable for the positioning of a roof top solar hot water heater.

The relationship between interior and exterior spaces is developed through the extensive landscaping. Internal spaces are enhanced by the various connections with adjacent external spaces.

At the roof level a Terrace is oriented to the rear of the site. To the east a slatted screen affords privacy between the adjacent property. The leaves of potted climbing plants would be trained to the slatted screen.

Functionally the design accommodates three bedrooms with four bathrooms/ensuites, and two additional stairs. The proposed renovated building covers a total floor area of 311.6m2 with an additional 16m2 of deck area and 9.4m2 roof terrace.

The extension provides an innovative architectural design solution to generate a new ‘lease on life’ for an otherwise tired building.

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