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Lightness of Space – Periscope by Architecture architecture
Funnelling light through the centre of its slight allotment, Periscope sees an increased perception of scale through a focus on natural elements. Architecture architecture draws inspiration from an introspective approach, where a series of clean and refined junctions converge to create a home of unexpected gestures and delights.
Despite its narrow and unassuming street face, Periscope is a home that unfolds with measured slightness and subtleties, leaving guests feeling as though they have passed through a portal once inside. Increasing the home’s overall sense of scale internally became the focus of the new works, extending both upward and outward deeper into the site to maximise potential, whilst also preserving the original character frontage. Initially a book-ended workers cottage, the home sits neatly between a row of existing similar era structures, offering a rhythm in their togetherness, with differences hinting at the personalities within. Architecture architecture focuses on the modest nature of the typology of the workers cottage in informing the new, celebrating craft and refinement.
As a product of its constrained site, curating light from above and from the rear created an opportunity to expand the overall feel of the home. Located in Richmond among other heritage homes, the 84 square metre site offered little room for movement and instead called for a considered and calculated response. Inserted into the centre is a double-height void that, in its own way, allows the home to breathe, opening it up to the sky above. In addition to the sky window that runs the full width of the site, the two illuminated gestures work to bring an openness to an otherwise quite dark and enclosed centre zone.
Taking inspiration from its namesake, mirrored and reflective internal surfaces allow entering light to travel further and elongate the feeling within. Whilst the neatness of each comprising element and junction avoids an over-complication of detailing, it is the restraint in the palette and materiality that creates and reinforces a welcoming sense of calm throughout. A muted base of warm neutrals flows through from the front entry, into each of the spaces and across the two separate levels. Throughout, textural timber is used underfoot, within inserted joinery and to clad the upper volume to connect to the natural, with the small and quaint courtyard space opening generously on the ground level, allowing a spill over of function, volume, light and movement.
By focusing on the linear nature of the plan – and using it to guide the resulting form – Periscope emerges crisply with an enhanced feeling of lightness. By overlaying a sense of order, Architecture architecture creates the ideal escape, with surprising delights dotted throughout.
