Elder Residence
A linear extension that grows in volume as it progresses down a steep block.
Elder Residence
2021-
BA Team: Sion Bourne
BAM! Team: Bradley Melvin, Andrew de Boer
Contractor: Vinnbuild
Structural Engineer: Engenuity Engineering
Energy Assessor: Green Start Consulting
Building Surveyor: Green Start Consulting
Mechanical Design: Airforce Airconditioning
This 1950’s East Victoria Park cottage had previously been occupied by the owners in several modes, prior to commencing this major alteration and addition project (i.e parents dwelling, a share house, single residence & couple’s home). Dissatisfied with the in-house design service offered by another commercial design & build company, the clients commissioned us to provide a home that strategically navigated the sloping site and catered for a growing family.
The extension is defined by three new volumes that cascade down the hill under a single linear roof form. This new building mass is aligned to the sites south-western boundary and establishes a parallel linear garden to the north-east. Each of the three new volumes are similarly proportioned in plan however sequentially alter in section as one moves down the hill. In principle, immediately adjacent spaces are not perceptibly different from one another although the extremities appear distinct.
The existing portion of the house is re-roofed, re-insulated, re-clad and reconfigured to contain the dwellings private areas. It too contributes to the project’s continuum like nature with several existing details and idioms bleeding into the new works. Weatherboard sills progress into heads, closed plan rooms progress into open plan spaces, thus demonstrating our position of ‘continuum’ for the problem of old versus new.
This project was originally commenced by BAM! Office in 2021 and is now under construction. Projected completion in late 2023.
Grigg Park
The reconfiguration of a corner block cottage to open up to the sky and out to the garden.
Grigg Park
2018-2022
Team: Sion Bourne
Contractor: Vinnbuild
Structural Engineer: B. Waddell Consulting Engineers
Energy Assessor: Greenstart Consulting
Building Surveyor: Greenstart Consulting
Land Surveyor: Zenith Surveying
Grigg Park house is an existing corner block cottage that fronts an adjacent suburban reserve. Although well-loved the house was tired with materials nearing ‘end-of-life’ when we were tasked with its restoration and addition.
Several small irregular shaped garden spaces encircle the house as a consequence of the dwellings splayed orientation. One of these spaces, an intimate sunken garden and jacaranda tree to the houses north, was already the center of everyday life at the home. This space became the focus of the new works, our approach ideated by the client’s aspiration to further connect the house’s interior and exterior environments.
The reconfigured cooking and dining areas are compressed and elongated, exaggerating the impact of a new full height opening to the garden. At the internal terminus of the space, a previously landlocked dining room is liberated by an operable roof window atop a pyramidal ceiling. This incursion delivers a means to passively purge summer heat and offer natural light to the surrounding un-restored areas of the house.
Irregular in shape & form, the new ensuite addition is a playful interpretation of the local streetscape policy, sculpted to minimise the impact of perceived bulk upon the sunken garden. The ensuite cheekily ‘looks away’ to mitigate overlooking from the elevated neighbouring property and soak up the morning sun.