Contemplative Calm – Redfern Arch House by Atelier DAU and Georgia Hawkins

Redfern Arch House sees the overlaying of classical features and the opening of the interior to flow seamlessly outward. Atelier DAU and Georgia Hawkins collaborate in the partial redesign of the existing Victorian-era home to create a tactile and enduring experience.

Redfern Arch House is given a restraint in the finishes applied and an overall openness to bring the historic and character-rich features of the home into a more contemporary relevance. It is “a space less about materiality but more about experience,” describes Emma Rees-Raaijmakers, principal and founder of Atelier DAU. “It was important that the materiality – white set walls internally, white rough rendered walls externally – would elegantly sit alongside the colour and the interiors of the original home.” The approach balances a more traditional and lasting foundation with a refreshing crispness.

 While the restorative works and extension are contained to the rear of the Victorian terrace, the measure of their impact has been significant.

While the restorative works and extension are contained to the rear of the Victorian terrace, the measure of their impact has been significant. In assessing the scope of the works needed, the team chose to focus on the areas that would alter the atmosphere most dramatically. “The work captures the spirit of a bold client,” explains Emma. “The proposal of a 1.5-storey volume to the rear of their property, visible from the public domain, was a risky one in terms of approvals. But the client was aware of the uncertain path they were embarking on and, as it turned out, [was] worth the effort.” The courtyard that was carved out of the new form was conceived to serve as a canvas for greenery and emphasise a commitment to integrating nature and living elements into the narrative of the home.

In the revision, the kitchen and its large island become an active part of everyday life. Complementing this, an effortless flow between inside and out was crucial in the living areas. “The light that is drawn into the interiors is breathtaking and, coincidently, the most beautiful tree in a neighbouring property is framed by the arched opening,” adds Emma. “The [rear] space feels like a generous home that constantly changes, feeling inviting and homey despite its scale.”

In assessing the scope of the works needed, the team chose to focus on the areas that would alter the atmosphere most dramatically.

Bringing life to its laneway, Redfern Arch House carries forward key principles of the original home. The mission both Atelier DAU and Georgia Hawkins set out on was to evoke an emotive response, and both quiet moments of reflection and social spaces are present across the site as a result.