Playful Retreat – Hawthorn Studio by Agius Scorpo Architects

Within the confines of an existing backyard, Hawthorn Studio emerges as a creative exploration of both function and form, integrating flexibility into the planning of the home. Agius Scorpo Architects utilises the site to its fullest, creating a bookmark along the outermost boundary, where an overlap of retreat and recreation coalesce.

As is the case with many homes, the main residence tends to be placed more centrally and to the front of the site, leaving an open and sometimes underutilised rear yard space. As both an increasing in the functionality of the home and an embedding of enhanced amenity, Hawthorn Studio draws the formal elements of the home further into the site and, through a playfully curious lens, activates the space as a result. Using the backyard as a blank canvas, a series of insertions ensures a cleverly aligned and efficient brief is embedded amongst a core of flexibility. Agius Scorpo Architects engages in a process of exploration to overlap the varied brief within the limited space, while also creating a unique destination within the site in the process.

Agius Scorpo Architects engages in a process of exploration to overlap the varied brief within the limited space, while also creating a unique destination within the site in the process.

Responding to the changing needs of the family over time, the home also needed to adapt and evolve. The original proposition was to create a multi-purposed space for the family to expand into and become a more private retreat when needed. By exploring this process and how those functions could be realised, the need for storage, a kitchenette, pool and workshop space were consequently added to the brief. The planning then needed to adjust to align with the creation of an independent dwelling. Avoiding occupying the entire open space, a courtyard is inserted between the main house and the introduced forms to create a moment of pause.

As a key part of the newly arranged space, the landscape design by Kate Seddon Landscape Design plays a vital role and circulates around a nostalgic oak tree. By reorienting the open space to sit between the built elements on the site, an increased access to natural light is created, along with the ability for more natural ventilation to pass through the spaces. Introduced fins then embed control of heat gains throughout the year. The insertion of the pool is both a leisurely space and a meditative entity, inserted to break the overall built forms. With clear visual access between inside and out, creating and maintaining flowing connection between the varies spaces results in a dynamic environment.

Using the backyard as a blank canvas, a series of insertions ensures a cleverly aligned and efficient brief is embedded amongst a core of flexibility.

With a restrained and modest palette, Hawthorn Studio comes together as a combination of natural elements and an exploration of space. Agius Scorpo Architects has activated the site in its entirety, overlaying a contemporary liveability.