Contemporary Interpretation of Neighbourhood Context - Elwood Residence by DX Architects

Replacing the existing dwelling due to unstable foundations, Elwood Residence is a study of context that takes neighbouring typologies as inspiration. DX Architects has proposed a light-filled contemporary form in response.

Located on a challenging site, Elwood House is the result of extensive site studies, resulting in the decision to replace the existing dwelling. With numerous complications from the unstable foundations and the flood overlay of the Elwood canal, DX Architects worked closely with the client to propose a contemporary response. Referencing streetscape context and the neighbouring typology as inspiration, the result is a fusion of form, approach, materiality and a sensitivity to site.

Elwood House is the result of extensive site studies.

With interior design by Kate Walker Design, Elwood Residence was built by Harris Construct and offers a contemporary solution to its narrow site. The approach to materiality was inspired by an overall emphasis on contemporary design, one that would provide the perfect backdrop for its client’s lives, and one that that would not date or age dramatically. Instead the emphasis was not over over-designing elements, but on a restrained and simplified palette of warm, exposed timber and key contrasting black and white elements. The feature timber detail in the stairwell allows for an expression of these key materials, in a vertical and clean geometry, encouraging a tactile engagement.

DX Architects worked closely with the client to propose a contemporary response.

Key to the design and planning of Elwood Residence is the encouraging of natural sunlight into the space, and allowing for a connection beyond the formal boundary of the built area. Interventions such as large spanning skylights allow this conversation to occur, and provide a sense of relief to the climatic conditions. Punctuating the horizontal plane allows for deep voids to create an articulated ceiling landscape also, adding a sense of the sculptural in nuanced areas.

Key to the design and planning of Elwood Residence is the encouraging of natural sunlight into the space.

The clever creation of integrated and feature joinery throughout the home acts as a personal element that expresses identity for its owners. The integration of European oak vanity units in the bathrooms, which are otherwise clad in darker tones, helps to balance the overall oeuvre of the space. Similarly, the cohabitation of the blackened timber feature wall and feature elements in the kitchen against the warm timber flooring and stair treads works cohesively.

Elwood Residence proposes a typology that is both sensitive and responsive to its context and neighbouring adjacencies and is a forward-thinking proposal for the reinstating of unrepairable urban fabric. Through careful and considered studies, DX Architects and their collaborators have created a contemporary form that speaks to, and openly welcomes, engagement with its site.