An Open Connection – NTH by Ply Architecture
Navigating its deeply conservative context, NTH combines an open and connected sensibility to craft a home that intentionally responds to place. Ply Architecture draws from a continued narrative with both the site and surrounds in proposing a series of contemporary and light-filled interconnected spaces.
In preserving a historical connection in an area, the building shapes the memory of chapters past while providing a framework for those to come. Set in Colonial Light Gardens, to the south of Adelaide, NTH is positioned amongst a number of historical Californian bungalow style homes and in retaining that character forms an important part of the lineage of the area. Respectfully taking cues from the existing proportions and volumes of these particular style of homes, Ply Architecture extrudes the previous silhouette to add much needed liveable floor space for the owners that better engages with the landscape. By adding additional volume, a more open and connected living, dining and kitchen space is created, aptly reflecting the contemporary condition.
Build by Adelaide Build, NTH is as much focused on the quality of the indoor spaces as it is on the outdoor liveable spaces. Consequently, a series of curated outdoor rooms provide shelter and filtered ventilation for occupation year-round, while connecting with the garden at the same time. Though the formality of the existing planning internally adds structure and separation, both of which are needed in any family home, they also allow for a natural hierarchy and grouping of functions to occur. In creating the casual convening space to the rear of the home, opening northwards, there is a pull at play that draws and connects and brings the occupants together.
In extending the original home, the added form reaches deeper into the site and opens, as per its namesake, to the north. An additional scooping out of the form to the side allows an even greater allowance of natural light to enter the interior spaces, while also adding a courtyard of sorts to the side of the home. Light becomes the focus for the resulting home, both in bringing it into the interior experience and in how the new form can open up and control solar gains and light throughout the day. A matched light palette is then given warmth through the use of timber screening and is offset by a contrasting black encasing sleeve to the exterior. The darkened envelope further allows the form to sit as less of a feature, and instead the spaces it creates and a connection to the natural to become the focus.
