Peeking Upward – Lantern House by Topology Studio

In expanding the outlook of the home and creating a better connection to the surrounding natural elements, Lantern House sees a supplementary pavilion form added. Topology Studio pays respect to both the heritage of the home and the existing streetscape in proposing a considered and quaint intervention.

Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Lantern House sits as an established Victorian-era terrace home among its rowed neighbours. Despite its frontal openness, the home’s rear needed to foster a connection to the garden and coax light deeper into the internal volumes. Retaining the rhythm of the existing streetscape, the addition is added to the rear, preserving the façade and allowing for a seamless flow between inside and out. Whilst only one level, a portion of the roof form is pulled upward to create an elevated heightening inside to create free space and bring light in from above. The addition sits unobtrusively on site, allowing Topology Studio to create easier access from the laneway and out into the landscape.

With the objective to enhance the environmental performance of the home, the addition is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Clad in white, the new volume is created with independence from the original heritage style of the home. Sculptural in form, the peaked upper window shaping articulates the overall structure, whilst signalling an architectural contrast to the original. Internally, the extension creates a unique light well that enhances the natural solar gains of the space. The extended wall also acts as a gallery space – idyllically lit and awaiting animation.

With the objective to enhance the environmental performance of the home, the addition is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In the evening, the internal illumination creates a lantern type affect, emanating a soft diffusion of light whilst blocking sightlines inward and maintaining privacy. The lantern becomes a part of the urban landscape, playfully bridging the gap between public and private whilst enhancing a sense of architectural identity.

The lantern becomes a part of the urban landscape, playfully bridging the gap between public and private whilst enhancing a sense of architectural identity.

Maximising site orientation and underutilised natural energy, Lantern House allows the existing to become optimised for an eco-friendly future. Through the restrained yet considered detailing of the pavilion addition, Topology Studio elevates the experience of the home.