An Embracing Veil – Exoskeleton House by Takt Studio

As a rejuvenation of a tired 1950s brick bungalow, Exoskeleton House arises from the reworking of the existing and the creation of an embracing veil that surrounds the home, adding amenity and spaces directly connected to the site. Takt Studio utilises an open approach in engaging a rural vernacular of materiality and form.

Inspired by a sustainable approach, Exoskeleton House is located in Sydney and aims to reuse and repurpose its existing parts, rather than demolishing and replacing. As a restoration and expansion project, the existing 1950- era brick bungalow home is reworked and restored, while a newly proposed timber and metal veil encases the existing home, expanding the footprint outward. Both extending the original volume and adding additional amenity, the additional structure aims to encase the additions with a holistic and considered approach, paying homage to the area’s past while minimising the home’s impact. Takt Studio combines a contextually responsive approach in conjuring a home of purpose, connected to its site.

In its commitment to sustainability, the surrounding context and character are retained, and the new elements are a fusion of a rural vernacular in its make-up, while formally being an abstract version of the existing slopes of roof forms and silhouettes.

Built by Jason Miles Builder, Exoskeleton House is imagined from a place of restraint. The area in which is sits is known for its small timber cottages and bungalows, which over the years have seen a decline in numbers. Ensuring the existing remnants of the previous bungalow were retained was therefore important for the next chapter of the home. Instead of removing the areas that did not work, the bungalow is repurposed for sleeping and bathing activities, in the process making it a retreat space. The new elements sit on the outer edges and connect to the existing with a deliberate sensitivity. A simplified approach is focused on adding missing pieces of the puzzle with an emphasis on longevity and an enduring appropriateness. In its commitment to sustainability, the surrounding context and character are retained, and the new elements are a fusion of a rural vernacular in its make-up, while formally being an abstract version of the existing slopes of roof forms and silhouettes.

The new pavilion is deliberately north-facing and acts as the core family gathering space, where sunlight naturally heats and provides illumination, while operable elements allow for an ease of cross-ventilation for comfort. There is a layered approach at play, with concrete flooring absorbing heat during the winter, while timber adds welcomed warmth and texture, and the painted plaster elements reinforce a clean contemporary appropriateness. The home openly embraces its site and through a permeation of its façade allows the inside to naturally flow outward, such that the internal experience is an immersion in place.

A simplified approach is focused on adding missing pieces of the puzzle, with an emphasis on longevity and an enduring appropriateness.

Exoskeleton House emphasises craft and detail over scale and expansion and is comfortably befitting of its locale. Through a non-traditional approach, Takt Studio has expanded and added value by thinking smaller and with a considered lens, resulting in a beautifully embracing home, both of time and its landscape.