Extension to an existing dwelling

This project approaches the extension to an existing dwelling by copying, rescaling and reconfiguring the hallway create a new occupiable space. In doing so, the new building creates a hard division between the public and private areas of the site, a characteristic that was strongly desired by the clients.

This design strategy has a reciprocal relationship to the existing dwelling. By overlapping the existing bedrooms and lean–to the new hall alters the existing interiors; changing their shape, function and providing new visual connections.

The formal and material articulation of the building was also developed though the consideration of the primary hall element: If this internal element of a dwelling was to be relocated outside of the core of the dwelling, what would determine its external surface? What is its outside?

To provide the outside of this hall, the design takes its direction from architectural types identified with the adjacent spaces. The street side of the hall uses the kitchen’s window and the entry’s doorway. The external space of the courtyard side has no such types to characterise it, so instead uses this absence to delete wall, boundary and internal volume.

This relationship between the recognisable and the absent informs the use of materials in the project. Non-materials such as concealed channel glazing and high pressure laminate panels are combined with the richly textural materials of plywood and stone.

The project provides a new dining space, kitchen , pantry and laundry, together with a small living area. The lean-to is reworked to be a flexible bedroom/secondary living area.