Concise and Organised Subtleties – East Street by Kerstin Thompson Architects
Sitting in alignment to the sloping terrain it is anchored to, East Street is built on principles of adaptability and an ingrained responsiveness to context. Kerstin Thompson Architects combines flexible and moving elements in a linear manner to create a home of concise and organised subtleties.
In its rural setting of Albury in New South Wales, East Street sits distinctively differing from its milieu, while offering itself as a welcoming and protective enclave from the elements. The home presents as a linear and horizontal form, anchored to the land, and composed of a series of refined and considered details, in contrast to its removed setting. As an active participant on its site, the many parts that make up the form are created from a central ethos of flexibility and intertwined sustainability, allowing the building to breathe and for its elements to be adjusted as needed. Kerstin Thompson Architects responds to the conditions of the site by conjuring a series of spaces that neatly order functionality through a linear approach and introduce more subtle definitions of space as a result.
Kerstin Thompson Architects respond to the conditions of the site by conjuring a series of spaces that neatly order functionality through a linear approach and introduce more subtle definitions of space as a result.
Built by Scott James Builder, East Street plays on contrasts of open and closed, compression and release, and varying levels of intimacy throughout as a means to define space and allow purpose to be embedded. In response to how the home is utilised, and its need to adapt throughout the year to the changing climatic conditions, the many comprising parts are deliberately malleable. Arranged across two levels, thin rectilinear blocks are differentiated through a stepped floor plan, with the upper level as a more multi-functional space, as well being the main entry, wintergarden and potential day room as needed. The lower level then houses the more dedicated functions of sleep, study, kitchen, living and dining, while opening up to the landscaped areas surrounding, looking out to Mt Huon.
Oriented to maximise both solar gains and encourage natural ventilation, the north side of the home aligns the functions that need warming, and conversely, the south side emerges as the cooler side. The upper level is lined with screens to allow for the sliding glazed walls to be fully opened and embrace the outdoors, while in the winter the lower sun can heat the home through warming the slab. Arranged from a central spine of concrete bricks, the planning is concisely arranged, with openings directed to the enviable surrounds that the home is endowed. In its refinement, the form of the home opposes its context, but in the select materiality of robust and hardwearing elements, it aligns beautifully. Combining timber, concrete and considered metalwork, East Street sits in response to its site, while still offering contemporary sensibilities.
In its compactness, East Street is both deliberate and has been fine tuned to reflect the needs of its clients. Kerstin Thompson Architects has ensured a full embrace of this unique site, while adding warmth and comfort amongst its rural setting.
