From The Architect
A residential extension project for a young family of six set in the urban coastal environment of Brighton, Victoria. The integrity of the front four principal rooms were to remain whilst accommodating a refurbishment of the master suite to include an extensive walk in robe and luxurious ensuite. The addition to the rear called for a new precinct to house living, dining and kitchen areas on the ground floor and children’s bedrooms and a playroom on the first floor.
Maintaining the integrity of the existing grand Victorian dwelling was an important design consideration. The brief was given so that the project should not look as if it were being devoured by the new addition, nor should the architects pretend that nothing new has taken place. The architects chose to separate new from old with a clear 1.2m wide gap giving a clear delineation point.
The new addition is a ‘complimentary opposite’, relating to the existing building through height, scale and proportion. It requires a sense of belonging without replicating. Defined precincts for children and adults maintain a uniform style and good vision lines connect the family. Long gestures were created to accentuate a quality of space and create focal points.
Whiting Architects adopted an ‘architectural’ approach to the interiors – a ‘process of discovery’. With an objective to not reveal everything at once, but rather offer glimpses as the guest works through and around a collection of box forms that have been inserted into the space. The boxes conceal, reveal & wrap load bearing structure and storage. Colour is used with restraint, to define and create interest.
The architects have encouraged differing qualities of space from small and intimate to high, pitched volumes. It is fitted with the right amount of custom made and procured joinery and furniture. Everything is considered and designed.
