Quaint Contemporary – Parkside House by studio gram
In a modest re-sculpting of an existing heritage home, Parkside House is overlaid with a contemporary relevance through a measured expansion yet retention of its original scale. studio gram reorients the main functions toward the rear, opening the interior to the landscape as an extension of the home proper.
Set in close proximity to the city, Parkside House sits among other heritage homes within an early inner suburb of Adelaide. Originally built at the beginning of the 20th century, the front rooms of the home are restored to their original charm and overlaid with a consistency in detailing and palette that bind the old and new. Despite the restrictive allotment, the removal of a small existing extension becomes a gesture of revival, reinstating the original scale of the dwelling. In assessing the orientation of the site and wanting to create an open and connected living zone to the rear, studio gram arranges both covered and open outdoor spaces with a generous amount of glazing to bring ample natural light inward.
The main north-south connective corridor space becomes the spine of the home, with functional spaces arranged in sequence accordingly. Bringing light into spaces such as this hallway, and in from above the shower in the bathroom, redefines the typical heritage arrangement and separation from the elements. Softening the architectural moments on site, the landscape plays a key role in buffering the edges between the new and existing forms, and the neighbouring homes, to reinforce the house as its own retreat. The insertion of micro-courtyards punctuates the planning and provides added natural ventilation.
The transition between old and new feels seamless – the intent was less about contrasting the styles and more about blending the eras to expand the functionality of the home. Though limited in size, detailing and palette, the residence emerges as a contemporary reimagination of what stood before. Whilst reminders of the past remain and bring the character and nostalgia of the structure’s handmade origins into the new, the movement through the home is reconfigured to centre around a more modern and openly connected lifestyle.
Though limited in size, detailing and palette, the residence emerges as a contemporary reimagination of what stood before.
Focusing on the inner experience and intricate subtleties, Parkside House is extended with a respectful grace. Through deliberation, studio gram overlays a clear intention of function and spatial sequence to support a calming interaction with the home and celebrate its compact nature.
