Reductionist Preservation – Thornbury House by Architecture Caisson

Architecture Caisson delicately preserves the historical character of Thornbury House’s Victorian-era origins while integrating a dual indoor-outdoor sanctuary. The team redefines the narrative of the home through the use of restraint and reductionism, focusing on a clean and muted palette that binds old and new.

Surrounded by other heritage buildings, Thornbury House thoughtfully retains connections to the past while looking to the future. In order to align the home to a contemporary liveability, the footprint is increased over multiple levels, optimising the generous site and concealing the new works from approach. The integration of garden and landscape elements was a key initiative to reduce energy use and enhance a biophilic connection. “When guests arrive at the house, they enjoy the formality of the Victorian house as they walk down its central hallway before stepping out of the house and down into our new addition set within the garden,” describes Craig Barkla, director of Architecture Caisson.

“When guests arrive at the house, they enjoy the formality of the Victorian house as they walk down its central hallway before stepping out of the house and down into our new addition set within the garden,” describes Craig Barkla, director of Architecture Caisson.

The previous footprint is retained in essence, with the garden defined by two block walls that then contain the addition. Flanked with glass at either end, the new form houses bedrooms and retreat spaces above and a new shared living area on the ground floor. Flush connections and wide thresholds ensure free movement between inside and out, while the absence of highly decorative detailing creates a quietening affect, enhancing the space as a destination of recharge. “This raised form is accessed only by a spiral steel staircase within a double-height void so as to emphasise its separation from the open ground plane below,” adds Craig.

The old and new forms are separated by refined steel framework and glass, highlighting the transition between the eras of the home. The aim was for the glazing to appear as though it dissolves, allowing for the garden to feel as though it was an extension of the interior experience. Setting the addition further into the site also allows for northern light to flow into all living areas and for the courtyard to be a transitionary outdoor space. “The family can enter the new part of the house directly from the driveway,” adds Craig, “through a small courtyard where we retained a brick chimney from a previous addition – now repurposed as a new outdoor fireplace – and visitors can enter through the original front door.”

The old and new forms are separated by refined steel framework and glass, highlighting the transition between the eras of the home.

Ensuring the past and present are tied through relevant finishes and detailing, Architecture Caisson honourably transforms Thornbury House. The neutral palette and detailing align with a classic approach while remaining true to a contemporary crispness.