Emphasised Warmth – A House for Grandma by Brcar Morony

A House for Grandma combines the cosiness of a familiar and modest residential setting with a sense of calm. Brcar Morony proposes a place of quiet through a clearly defined selection of finishes and the curation of charming objects, emphasising warmth and an enhanced natural connection.

Set within Sydney’s Upper North Shore, a garage that was previously unused is given a new purpose and becomes a pavilion primed for living. Its purpose is to be an independent dwelling and is designed to be self-contained with a separate kitchen, bathroom, dining, sleeping and living space. The home aims to bring a layered richness and develop its own character through a non-traditional composition of its parts. The interior sits defined by an open plan approach, where each space is defined by furniture rather than walls. Brcar Morony integrated multiple areas to encourage storytelling and to allow the experience of passing time in a peaceful resolve.

Set within Sydney’s Upper North Shore, a garage that was previously unused is given a new purpose and becomes a pavilion primed for living.

In the process of downsizing from a larger home, the select few objects the clients had kept held great meaning. Due to this, the spaces needed to be able to display artworks and treasures yet shift in function as needed. Considering the changing needs of the family, the structure also had to feel contemporary and house enough facilities to not require visiting the main home. The process of renovating also allowed for a realignment of values and establishing what is important for the inhabitants.

“The oversized picture frame window is directed to nature and the existing features of the site – such as an established jacaranda tree,” describes Natalie Brcar, Director of Brcar Morony. “You can’t see the existing house, which is deliberate. There is a sense of seclusion, though you are connected and anchored to the site through curated openings.” With the real estate ownership landscape constantly changing, the forward-thinking proposal also considers the possibility of multiple generations and potentially even multiple groups occupying the same site. While the form is submerged within the surrounding natural elements, the exterior is clad in a textured brick that carries the language of the main home.

“You can’t see the existing house, which is deliberate. There is a sense of seclusion, though you are connected and anchored to the site through curated openings.”

A reinvigorated existing yet underutilised form on site, A House for Grandma celebrates the beauty in simplicity. There is a consciousness that underpins Brcar Morony’a approach – wanting to make maximum impact and add value to the site yet minimise disruption to the original form and surrounds.