Sculpted Expansion – Hawksburn House by Susi Leeton Architects + Interiors

As a two-part renovation project, Hawksburn House is repurposed for contemporary living by focusing on openness and connection. Susi Leeton Architects + Interiors combines their known sculptural approach with adaptable planning to allow for the growing and dynamic needs of family life, whilst respectfully ensuring the original character of the home is retained and celebrated.

Originally built in the late 1800s, Hawksburn House has had a varied and colourful past. Located near the Hawksburn Station, the house was previously surrounded by grazing cattle and served a much different purpose. Now surrounded by an established, residentially dense area, it is a family residence that sits among a more clearly defined setting. As one of the first examples of a combined Georgian and Victorian-era home in the area, retaining that connection to its past was key. Susi Leeton Architects + Interiors focuses on combining the original crafted elements with new features that respectfully extend its legacy.

The second and most recent instalment, however, allowed for a much larger expansion and the space for additional family members.

Wanting to retain its existing charm and character, but also ensure a more modern planning arrangement to align with contemporary homes, the original form is opened up to be more outward facing. The first stage of the renovation involved a small revision of the original site, refreshing the tired elements of the heritage property. The second and most recent instalment, however, allowed for a much larger expansion and the space for additional family members. Utilising an approach that treats the architecture as sculpture, Susi Leeton Architects + Interiors both connects the home internally and to the surrounds and inserts several softening elements throughout.

By intersecting the architecture, light, details and volume of the form, this poetic approach adds a new gentleness through softened elements. Extending the legacy of the original home as well as the masonry anchoring it in place, new elements continue to be crafted in a similar nature. Through inserted openings on the sides and up above, there is ample light and ventilation, which allows for the house to breathe and enhances the ease of flow. To honour the home as a place of rest and recharge, the furniture, lighting and artwork follow a similar gentle touch in both connecting and softening the transitions between old and new.

Susi Leeton Architects + Interiors focuses on combining the original crafted elements with new features that respectfully extend its legacy.

Seamlessly adding both additional floor space and a heightened engagement with the surrounds, Hawksburn House is a nod to both its past and future. Susi Leeton Architects + Interiors ensures a soft approach binds the eras and the residents to an important part of architectural history.