Extending Downwards – Point View House by Preston Lane Architects

Inverting the traditional approach of extending upwards, Point View House instead carves into the sloping embankment the original home sits upon. Preston Lane Architects brings an exploratory curiosity to proposing a home that speaks to a sense of warmth, protection and true connection to the earth.

Located in Hobart, the original 1930s home sat on a sloping site overlooking the river Derwent on one side, and the -urban bustle of a residential street on the other. Moving away from the traditional route to build upward and out, Preston Lane Architects instead to carves into the site and positions the new extension below the existing home, burrowing into the sloping embankment. Through a combined boldness and a curiosity of limitations, this exploratory approach sees an unfolding list of benefits. Anchored to its site instead of sitting upward and away from it, the new works see a true sense of warm and protection created through a literal connection to the earth that houses the home.

Located in Hobart, the original 1930s home sat on a sloping site overlooking the river Derwent on one side, and the -urban bustle of a residential street on the other.

Built by Lane Group, Point View House was conceived as a means to maximise the generous and enviable panoramic views of the adjacent river it sits upon. The program also had to respond to the young family’s needs, with separated living and sleeping areas and a connected living, dining and entertaining area on the upper level, to maintain visual connectivity. Core to the new works was the immersion within the site itself and a true embrace of its location. After an examination of the site, the best and perhaps less conventional approach was decided upon, carving into the sloping site and position the extension beneath.

A series of rooms on the lower level respond to both their location and function – although also flooded with natural light, the approach is darker and warmer and provides an enveloping sense of protection. The upper level, however, was created as a light-filled open series of zones creating a sanctuary of its own, looking out to its own nature show of the river. The uninterrupted views are available to the generous deck, operable façade and large expanses of glazing. Combined with warmer elements, the reclusive feeling is combined with openness and outward gestures to create a balanced home.

Built by Lane Group, Point View House was conceived as a means to maximise the generous and enviable panoramic views of the adjacent river it sits upon.

After an examination of the site, the best and perhaps less conventional approach was decided upon, carving into the sloping site and position the extension beneath.

Point View House offers an inspiring approach, where experimentation and innovation have resuled in a home that not only aligns with its site but is able to breathe with it as well. Climatically controlled through the insertion into the earth instead of sitting disconnected from it, the home’s comfort is assured. Inverting the traditional and expected response, Preston Lane Architects has created a home that speaks to purpose and responds to its site, while harmoniously living within it.