Renewed Purpose – Palm House by Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors

Introducing modern elements to an existing post-war home, Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors reworks and expands Palm House by openly engaging with the rear garden. By introducing vibrant hues and curved gestures, the spaces come to life and connect with the surrounding landscape, imbuing them with a renewed sense of purpose.

Tasked with designing a spacious family home that incorporated the garden, the architect adopted an approach that utilised the entirety of the site to instil sense of openness. The original front rooms of the house underwent a significant transformation, and a connecting corridor leads to the rear addition. Imagined as its own garden room, the new roofline extends outwards beyond the glazing, offering shelter and regulating internal heat. It can also be opened to facilitate natural ventilation, emphasising the importance of each new element being responsive and environmentally conscious.

Tasked with designing a spacious family home that incorporated the garden, the architect adopted an approach that utilised the entirety of the site to instil sense of openness.

Originally built in the 1940s, Palm House, which once had a dark and enclosed atmosphere, now exhibits a thoughtful blend of old and new elements, along with a generous spirit. Considering the residence’s operational costs over its lifespan, the combination of high-quality glazing, solar features and water capture systems support the owners’ commitment to sustainability. The resulting home is one of balance, with a new rear addition that encapsulates the essential functionality and performance values of the dwelling.

Framed views of the garden and sky, achieved through openings in the ceiling, ensure the presence of natural light throughout the space. By repositioning the kitchen as the central hub of the home – especially for a growing family – it became a pivotal focus in terms of design, detail and planning. Given its role as a multifaceted abode, maintaining a cohesive design language across the architecture was important. The introduction of curved edges in the new garden pavilion living area adds a touch of softness to the otherwise linear junctions. This soft aesthetic extends to the furniture and lighting choices, as well as in the design of curved skylights and details within the joinery.

Originally built in the 1940s, Palm House, which once had a dark and enclosed atmosphere, now exhibits a thoughtful blend of old and new elements, along with a generous spirit.

Through a holistic approach that seamlessly blends the past with the present, Palm House becomes a harmonious balance between animated moments and the functional sustainability essential for a contemporary abode. Leeton Pointon Architects rejuvenates an antiquated home by not only repurposing the existing structure but also transforming it into a responsive and expressive living space.