Idyllically Responsive – Kensington House by Fowler and Ward

As an exercise in urban infill density, the story of Kensington House sees the maintaining of community and a connection to place through the maximisation of an inner-city allotment’s potential. Fowler and Ward utilises a studied approach to efficiently and effectively conjure a new home for its residents.

The narrative is a common one: the want to stay within familiar surrounds, immersed in an established community and surrounded by known neighbours, and the conflicting need to downsize. Such a scenario saw the owners of a generous 330sqm of land subdivide their existing site, making clever use of their rear lane access to create their own newly conceived home, built to suit their nuanced brief. Through a rigorous study of the site’s options and resulting effect on the adjoining properties, the resolve sees the careful positioning to nestle the new build toward the existing amenity buildings. Fowler and Ward combines a clearly examined approach with muted simplicity in proposing the considered home that emerges on site, offering its owners an opportunity to remain imbedded in an area they love, while occupying a smaller footprint.

Fowler and Ward combines a clearly examined approach with muted simplicity in proposing the considered home that emerges on site, offering its owners an opportunity to remain imbedded in an area they love, while occupying a smaller footprint.

Built by BCT Group, Kensington House is a modest build, taking occupancy of a mere 115sqm as a two bedroom and bathroom residence, spread vertically over its three levels. The home is comprised of a matched no-nonsense approach to materiality, where the palette’s robustness and low maintenance requirements are elevated over the ornate and where restraint has been used to ensure an optimised perception of space internally. Cost-effectiveness was also key and drove the use of concrete blocks and laminate together with beautifully textured spotted gum timber flooring, uniting each of the spaces. The clear direction and clarity around its planning is key to ensuring such a small series of spaces interlock with one another with purposed ease. The living spaces and courtyard open up to a north-west facing aspect, ensuring ample natural light both illuminates the area naturally and allows for passive heating during the cooler months. The overhead battens then also abate the unwanted summer sun, while adding a textural and pattern element at the same time.

At the heart of the home is a consciousness, both of its size and its effect on energy consumption, and all of its comprising elements speak to these attuned sensibilities. Compartmentalisation, particularly around the vertical circulation, ensured the footprint remained tightly planned and excessive space was not afforded where it was not needed. Above the stair, a double height void opens up the overall form and invites light inward, endowing the area with a much-welcomed spaciousness. The play on openness and enclosure, masonry and warming timber elements are all brought together with a considered balance, creating a harmony while also adding textural variety.

At the heart of the home is a consciousness, both of its size and its effect on energy consumption, and all of its comprising elements speak to these attuned sensibilities.

The subtle and considered nature of Kensington House sees a home of measured proportions and gestures emerge. Fowler and Ward expertly bring together an experimental rig our with and understanding of the interplay of space and materiality to create an inviting and idyllically fitting home for its secluded location.