A Contemporary Reinterpretation – House Queens Park by Tribe Studio Architects
Referencing the original heritage and crafted details of this Californian bungalow, House Queens Park takes subtle cues from its history and extends them into a relevant present. Tribe Studio Architects reinterprets the old through the new, with a contemporary restraint and refinement.
Located in Sydney’s inner east, House Queens Park sits comfortably in its neighbourhood of similar vintage homes, and so the consequent maintenance of its important historical contrition was integral. As a renovation and extension, the new works sit behind the original home, extending upward and outward, with a considered restraint that sees only a minor repetition of the original home’s silhouette appear to the rear. Built on celebrating the existing and the hand-crafted elements that represent the industry of the time, Tribe Studio Architects respectfully takes cues from the original elements and reinterprets them subtly through a contemporary lens, with a knowing restraint and refinement.
Built by Ballast Construction, together with engineering by Partridge and Landscaping by Spirit Level, House Queens Park is the culmination of an engaged collaboration. Increasing the internal volume and creating a communal gathering space, the addition sits neatly behind its predecessor and unfurls as the natural transition between the formality of the original home and the garden to the rear. In maintaining the character of its context, two newly constructed tiled roof pitches appear stacked on top of the bungalow and its gabled roof, matching in colour and finish. Repeating the formal elements of the original home, new insertions then reinterpret their original reference. By creating the vaulted ceiling space to the rear, the brief of better connecting the through flexible spaces was able to be achieved.
Steering away from the popular approach of extending well beyond the original home, Tribe Studio Architects’ experience working in conservation and with heritage homes led to the adoption of a restrained approach. The result sees heightened volumes, intersecting planes and slivers of natural light all convene within the newly imagined spaces. The additional upper level is concealed on either side of the double-height space and creates an interesting hierarchy. With dual access to the site, a garage and studio structure adds a semi-concealed formal arrangement to allow the growing family to flexibly adapt the home to suit. The materiality speaks to the original fabric of the home and is also reinterpreted in contemporary varieties, while maintaining the aesthetic.
Subtly concealed from the street, House Queens Park is an exercise in considered expansion and deliberate understanding of the sensitivities of context. Tribe Studio Architects has reverentially extended the life of the original home, continuing its history while establishing its relevance.
