A Cohesive Approach – Coleridge by Nick Bell Architects

As a modest alteration and extension, Coleridge works within the existing constraints to reconjure a home of relevance for its owners. Nick Bell Architects brings a sense of cohesion to the old and the new, offering a playful engagement with the existing roofline angles and silhouette overhead.

Replacing and extending an existing double fronted brick cottage, Coleridge is located in Sydney’s inner west in Leichardtand reflects a multitude of the architectural fabric of the area. As a result of many additional levels being added over the years to the existing heritage home, the house was in much need of being brought together with clear cohesion. Navigating its many levels, connections, thresholds and stepped ceiling planes presented a challenge in itself, but instead these elements were ultimately used to the advantage of the client and architect, immersing the new in with the old. Nick Bell Architects has extended and opened up an otherwise muddled home, bringing it together under its expansive and intricately articulated roof.

Internally, an open and connected approach sees a light palette and large floor-to-ceiling glazing encourage natural illumination inward as well as creating opportunities for ventilation.

Built by MJH Building, Coleridge maintains the existing structural elements, while the new help define the living zones and more formal and intimate spaces. As a modest effort, the new works within and under the existing roofline and framework, with the rear addition of a new studio space above the garage as well as punctuations through the roof to allow for dormer windows and box geometries to peek through. Levelling access from the rear yard out from the living space was a key alteration, allowing for the landscaped garden space to flow through to the interior. While the front façade is reworked and restored, the existing rooms are reinstated, and the original stair relocated based on the new spatial planning approach.

Ensuring a continuance of feel, the newly introduced brickwork and cedar cladding takes tonal cues from the existing stone cottage colourings. The metal roof, window openings and exposed structural elements are then all unified through colour and finish, offsetting the textured and warmly muted brick and timber. Internally, an open and connected approach sees a light palette and large floor-to-ceiling glazing encourage natural illumination inward as well as creating opportunities for ventilation. The approachability of custom joinery, flooring and furniture all conjure the ideal family environs, outwardly connected to an enviably sized yard and the original kidney shaped pool.

As a modest effort, the new works within and under the existing roofline and framework, with the rear addition of a new studio space above the garage as well as punctuations through the roof to allow for dormer windows and box geometries to peek through.

Coleridge evolves into a light-filled and open family home, while reusing the original structural framework of the previous house. Nick Bell Architects hastransformed a once tired and confused home into one of clarity and collective energy, deeply connected to its site.