Half Light House
Defined by colour, Half Light House balances white-painted heritage interiors with black-painted extensions. John Ellway uses these colours alongside internal glazing to promote sweeping views from within.
Nestled in the Brisbane suburb of Clayfield, north-east of the city centre, Half Light House emerges from a typical timber cottage. “I began this project in 2018, when the clients’ children were primary school age,” says architect John Ellway. “A large part of the brief was to create something that could expand as they grew into their teenage years – they are all high schoolers now. One of the amenities requested was a covered pool, so the design process felt a little like Tetris, trying to fit some things in and hide others.” The resulting extensions accommodate a new bedroom, kitchen and pool while increasing the number of sightlines across the home. Outside, understated awnings above the windows shield the interiors from view.
By adding the bedroom and kitchen to the west-facing rear, Ellway creates space in the centre of the home for a dramatic void, at the base of which he positions the pool. The main living areas are organised around this light-filled core, with views down to the water and across the back of the home. “I thought it was important to show where the old cottage stops and the extension begins,” says Ellway. “The heritage section is painted in a Dulux natural white while the extensions showcase Dulux black. I’ve had a close relationship with Dulux ever since I was lucky enough to go on their Study Tour in 2015. I was one of five architects selected to spend two weeks travelling the world and it is one of the most significant experiences in my architecture career to date.” In Half Light House, the Dulux black paint draws the eye beyond the walls to the suburb and distant mountains.
There are two ways that people enter the home: while family members walk up the driveway to the side door – where shopping can be brought up to the kitchen through the rear – guests are welcomed through the front of the original cottage, preserving the traditional entry sequence. From there, they are led to the renovated lounge, followed by the extensions. “Many people ask me, ‘How do you manage a west-facing house with so much glass, John?’ I think you have to be strategic about how you protect the glass during different times of day and year. I’ve added five blinds to cover the most important openings.” Aside from their protective function, the coverings enable residents to change the internal ambience, embracing soft, dappled light when the weather allows.
Responding to its orientation, Half Light House champions views across both its suburb and bright interiors. Through a thoughtful application of colour and glazing, John Ellway highlights the evolution of the home while maintaining its sense of cohesion.
Architecture by John Ellway. Build by Struss Constructions. Landscape design by Prandium Studio. Engineering by Ingineered. Paint by Dulux.
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