Softly Blushing – Gable Clerestory House by Sonelo Architects

As a fitting alteration and addition to a previous home, Gable Clerestory House retains the essence of what lay before whilst allowing a softly hued contemporary sensibility to take residency. Sonelo Architects blends nods to the existing Federation era context through a considered and feminine lens.

Surrounded by other heritage structures in Ascot Vale, Gable Clerestory House is a contemporary awakening of the home’s previous chapter. In redefining the residence to reflect its current owners, the new works allow a respectful continuation of the original details whilst sitting unobtrusively to the rear, following the existing silhouette. In maintaining the rhythm of the perceived face of the home, the streetscape remains unaltered. Beyond the façade, however, the home is almost unrecognisable other than the volumetric familiarity, where new insertions shape the new internal spaces. Sonelo Architects draws from a refreshing and playful palette of unexpected elements to create a spirited, modern structure.

The combination of blush tones offers an unexpected sense of delight whilst moving through the spaces, which is then balanced using green and grey tones in other areas.

Combining both a midcentury approach with a respectful connection to the home’s previous elements, the new is a fused style, one that focuses on light and a shared sense of generosity. Gable Clerestory House draws the eye upward, as per its namesake; expressive internal forms optimise the gable formation for its height and the way that it increases a sense of scale at the same time. As a response to the lack of daylight and the original’s enclosure, the new turns the tables and instead creates a focus on connection.

Creating connections between inside and out was key, ensuring the natural elements felt united against the core functions of the home. In defining the addition, the curated selection of skylights above, windows at ground level and the overall feeling of grandeur all combine to create a unique structure. The site is restrained in size yet, by bringing together a light base and tonality, what remains is optimised and made to feel increasingly larger than it appears. The combination of blush tones offers an unexpected sense of delight whilst moving through the spaces, which is then balanced using green and grey tones in other areas.

In redefining the residence to reflect its current owners, the new works allow a respectful continuation of the original details whilst sitting unobtrusively to the rear, following the existing silhouette.

Through a muted approach, Gable Clerestory House animates an existing heritage home with a considered connection to place and an earthy, natural palette. Sonelo Architects creates a calm retreat, tucked away as its own surprise from the street.