Instilled Vibrancy – South Hobart House by Studio Ilk

Bringing a contemporary vibrancy to an existing Federation-era cottage, Studio Ilk expands and opens South Hobart House to foster a more deliberate connection with the natural elements. The architect focuses on a restrained approach in weaving the old and new together, retaining the existing street presence to continue the narrative of the home.

Located in its namesake suburb, South Hobart House is the ideal capture of the origins of the area. In adapting the original home to suit a more contemporary liveability, the north-south orientation of the existing form posed its own series of challenges, needing a less conventional approach to planning to enhance its potential. In opening up the 1910 home that sits within an established heritage precinct in Hobart, retaining its place in the streetscape was key. Keeping the additions and major changes to the rear, the residence is transformed, yet Studio Ilk retains the character and charm of the original.

Keeping the additions and major changes to the rear, the residence is transformed, yet Studio Ilk retains the character and charm of the original.

A considered approach ensures each new insertion is conceived from the approach of that which existed prior. To the rear, an additional level is tucked in behind the outer silhouette of the home and uses the introduced height to create a double-height living space. Opening to a newly created outdoor area, integrated glazing and operable elements on the ground level encourage a more flowing movement between inside and out – one that brings natural light into the rooms occupied during the day.

By carving into the form and creating key outdoor living spaces, a northern aspect is created. As a utilisation of the site in its entirety, an existing shed is folded into the new addition, flanking the new elements. The existing timber weatherboard and brick construction then informs the introduced materiality, inspiring a warm and textural palette with natural inclusions. Timber plays a vital role, as does the salvaging of materials, which ensures the newly expanded home is created with modesty and both cost and material efficiency.

The existing timber weatherboard and brick construction then informs the introduced materiality, inspiring a warm and textural palette with natural inclusions.

With added invaluable space to the total floor plate of the home, South Hobart House is extended and enhanced. Through cleverly pushing and pulling the added form both across and upward, Studio Ilk ensures a more engaged home emerges that retains connections to its past.