Graceful Expansion – Harriet’s House by SO:Architecture

Undergoing a thoughtful extension of its Georgian cottage form, Harriet’s House balances restraint and bold expression to create a contemporary transformation of the space. SO:Architecture draws from the heritage roots of the home as a respectful homage to the original detailing whilst binding the old and new.

With a clear contemporary responsiveness, Harriet’s House tells the story of both a heritage background and modern occupation. Nestled among other existing homes within Launceston, on the most modest of allotments of 50 square metres, the original residence from the Georgian era is considerately transformed. As a celebration of the home’s original proportions and weighted nature of the encasing sandstone walls, the expansion continues a humble connection between form and place and integrates a similar warmth and subtlety within. SO:Architecture opens the existing form to an idyllically curated garden setting to the rear through a grand, arcing roofline silhouette.

With a clear contemporary responsiveness, Harriet’s House tells the story of both a heritage background and modern occupation.

Whilst navigating the limitations of the site, lessons on simplicity arose over many years of collaboration between the architect and client – guiding an apt resolve. To heighten the home’s inner experience and bring a more meaningful natural connection into the interior, the extension to the rear focuses on a boundaryless relationship between inside and out. The added volume injects the existing structure with a transcendent quality, taking inspiration from architectural philosopher Sir John Soane, who believed that the harmony between simplicity and enchantment came to life through quiet and still moments.

As the structure is set between two-story neighbours, creating a home of privacy and funnelled views was crucial. Oriented towards a northern aspect to the rear to draw in light and air, the views out avoid onlookers. The outdoor space was meticulously sculpted, connecting to and following the natural contours of the site, where a weaving of native flora feels like a tapestry has been thrown over the slope. Exploring spatial dimensions in a controlled and measured way, the space is defined by its double-height, lofted space, which draws the eye upwards.

To heighten the home’s inner experience and bring a more meaningful natural connection into the interior, the extension to the rear focuses on a boundaryless relationship between inside and out.

In an ethereal balance of light and stillness, Harriet’s House adopts the idea of ‘less is more’ through integrating a refined and deliberate series of gestures. To achieve an interior richness, SO:Architecture adds warmth and allows the natural elements to dance through the newly defined spaces through considered additions.