Woven Sensitivity – Heritage House by Wolveridge Architects
Set amid character-rich surrounds, Heritage House called for a sensitive approach – one that bridges an appropriate response to place and acknowledges context. Wolveridge Architects weaves thoughtfully curated and handmade gestures throughout the home as a way to ensure the owner’s character is present as well as connect to the area’s narrative.
On approach, Heritage House appears through a meticulously landscaped entry that serves as a prelude to the considered architectural detailing and junctions within. Classical style references carry from the exterior into the interior, while the height of the home aligns with the streetscape. Wolveridge Architects pays homage to the past through an elevated approach that expresses a weighted materiality among textured and natural finishes.
On approach, Heritage House appears through a meticulously landscaped entry that serves as a prelude to the considered architectural detailing and junctions within.
Sited on a compact allotment, the form needed to make the most of the available area. The residence’s constructed environment merges seamlessly with the surrounding garden. The material palette is also grounded in a combination of dark, heritage, pressed brick, slate and grey stucco. The added second level tucks itself into the extended roofline, with dorma-type windows that peek out of the slope on one side. Bringing in light, yet not over-stimulating the retreat spaces that sit within this space, the openings allow sightlines to the surrounds yet protect privacy.
The visual narrative is one that tells a story of place and the people living within and allows the spaces to feel immersive and cocooning. Connecting multiple stories, a sculptural staircase celebrates movement while having a character of its own. Timber then brings a natural and textural component to the form and breaks up an otherwise dark material palette.
Despite the challenges with inserting a new build among such established homes, Heritage House emerges with its own sense of identity. Wolveridge Architects brings a boldness through its contemporary interpretation of the traditional yet uses sensitivity to ensure an appropriateness of place triumphs.
