Combining Heritage – Paddington House II by Tribe Studio Architects

Resulting from the combination of a pair of neighbouring Federation era homes, Paddington House II preserves the previous legacy of the structures whilst bringing them into the modern context. Tribe Studio Architects extrudes the existing roofline and silhouette of the form deeper into the site and creates a voluminous combined living area.

Paddington House II is one of many Victorian era homes in the streetscape, each with their own layered and diverse past. Originally two adjoining homes, the semi-detached houses were combined into the one residence as an opportune expansion that saw the creation of a generous and open living area. Tribe Studio Architects carefully navigates the site, incorporating additional amenities and opening the existing forms to better engage with the home’s intended function and private landscape space.

The relationship between the built and the organic plays an integral part in the experience of the residence.

Whilst the original rooms remain, the rear of the home is opened to create an increased flow of movement and a meaningful connection to the surrounding natural elements. The relationship between the built and the organic plays an integral part in the experience of the residence. Working with the site’s original slope, a new pool is integrated to optimise the home’s outlook and orientation, whilst the new combined living, dining and kitchen area opens to northern sunlight.

Concealed from approach, the added volume makes opportune use of the terrain. Spread over two floors, the functionality of the family home is delineated – the upper level houses the living, sleeping and entertaining areas whilst the new lower level houses areas of less traffic. Whilst the main volume opens to the north, the added form faces both the east and west – controlling natural light through screening devices on either side to reduce a reliance on energy. Focused on openness, the central corridor is widened to anticipate the expanded expression to come and light and muted tones further enhance an enlarged sense of scale throughout.

Tribe Studio Architects interweaves a sophistication through the renovation – allowing the three-bedroom home to feel open and connected both internally and to the outdoor landscape.

Recycling bricks from the site, Paddington House II combines elements of both the past and present through a respectful lens. Tribe Studio Architects interweaves a sophistication through the renovation – allowing the three-bedroom home to feel open and connected both internally and to the outdoor landscape.