Comforting Haven – That Old Chestnut by FIGR

Despite the challenges posed by the densely populated surroundings, That Old Chestnut stands as a well-established sanctuary amid a progressively busy area. FIGR skilfully blends passive energy with the inviting comfort of residential living, ensuring the home is primed for the chapters that lie ahead.

Located in Cremorne amid an ever-changing urban landscape of industrial, commercial, retail and residential structures, That Old Chestnut stands out as a remarkable gem. Occupying a modest 160-square-metre footprint, this urban sanctuary boldly asserts itself within the hustle and bustle of the city. Wanting to infuse the interior with ample natural light, the design needed to consider the potential construction of a 12-storey building next door. The approach navigates the balance between privacy and openness, ensuring the resulting spaces maintain a strong connection to the surrounding natural elements. FIGR utilises the entire site, expanding the floor plan to optimise functionality. Additional initiatives include the incorporation of a rain garden, a 2,500-litre rainwater tank and a worm composting device.

Located in Cremorne amid an ever-changing urban landscape of industrial, commercial, retail and residential structures, That Old Chestnut stands out as a remarkable gem.

Ensuring a connection to the outdoors was essential. Skylights have been incorporated throughout to welcome in natural light, and openings along the home’s outer edges maximise year-round ventilation. The chosen material palette adopts a simplified approach, echoing the spirit of Cremorne as a resilient collection of buildings shaped by a diverse community over time. Concrete, timber and galvanised steel pay tribute to the historical context of workers’ cottages scattered throughout the area, seamlessly blending with the industrial structures present. It was important to ground the design in the area’s rich history while embracing a modern aesthetic.

While the exterior remains robust, the interior exudes warmth through a contrasting array of finishes. Australian spotted gum veneer panels, treated with water-based, non-solvent sealers, grace the walls, introducing a soft touch to the otherwise cool ambiance of the dwelling. The landscape and supporting framework encourage the growth of plants to envelop and embrace the home, offsetting the constraints of limited space with thoughtful gestures. The inclusion of plastered and painted walls contributes to a clean palette, and when illuminated, it accentuates the modest scale of the interior spaces.

The chosen material palette adopts a simplified approach, echoing the spirit of Cremorne as a resilient collection of buildings shaped by a diverse community over time.

As a distinct urban sanctuary, That Old Chestnut stands out amid the more imposing structures emerging in the Cremorne area. FIGR preserves the legacy of the original form by infusing warm and soft elements into the interior, presenting a highly functional and contemporary abode.