Binding Time – Brook Bridge by Max Pritchard Gunner Architects
With the introduction of a bridge between an older heritage home and a new addition that sat disparate on the same site, Brook Bridge aims to bring a sense of cohesion and flow. Max Pritchard Gunner Architects draws from crafted and detailed elements of both existing vernaculars to propose a formal connector.
Located in Willunga, Brook Bridge becomes a sculptural connector across time and form, bringing an overarching and binding gesture to its site. Having previously, and successfully, designed other bridge-style homes over the years, Max Pritchard Gunner Architects was the likely choice for this project. Drawing on their honed knowledge of the typology as the basis for the proposed new form, the aim was to create a physical bridge between two very different structures on the generous site – one being a heritage home with familiar and ornate detailing; the other, a more contemporary form as a later addition. Without trying to compete with or replicate one another, the bridge form becomes a signal of connection, both literally and figuratively in its purpose, giving reference to the resulting formation, use of materiality and expressed structure.
Brook Bridge is imagined as a home for multi-generational living, catering for differing ages and their varying needs. Whilst each separate dwelling had served its separate purpose over the years, bringing them together was key for the client’s next chapter. Deliberately embedding a simplicity between the existing forms, the bridge becomes a balancing act; spanning over the creek below, the form aids in movement and is its own bold statement. Its long span and expressed structural elements are reminiscent of the bridge form, undeniably so, and gives a clear indication of its purpose.
Working within the budget constraints whilst also being sensitive to the existing heritage, the approach turns inward. Instead of allowing the external outlook to drive the process, the focus is about the experience of spaces, materiality and atmosphere. Unlike its cool metal encasing elements, the interior sees warming timber add a textural depth and connect back to the surrounding natural landscape amongst the forms on site. The optimisation of orientation also became a priority, seeing a large north facing opening allow natural light to fill the space and provide passive solar control across the site, reducing the reliance on outside energy sources.
