Inward Focus – Tree Island by Carter Williamson Architects

Responding to the built surrounds, Tree Island turns its focus inward and upward, drawing in light and carving unique outdoor spaces that enrich the experience of the home. Carter Williamson Architects proposes a series of considered gestures that connect old and new, whilst ensuring the residence feels private and protective.

Navigating the tight 4.5-metre-wide allotment, Tree Island is a masterclass in efficient planning and focused restraint. Adopting an intentional approach, the site’s limitations are used as a parameter to guide the composition of built elements across the site. With the presence of an imposing adjoining warehouse wall, the contemporary addition to the home is brought upward. Carter Williamson Architects devises a series of interventions that respond to the surrounds, allowing the home to emerge as a reflection of a love for nature.

With the streetscape maintained, the new works sit behind the sightline of the original, optically optimising the view from street level to manoeuvre a response to brief that is extensive as it is enriching for the owners.

Originally a quaint cottage, the overall footprint of the home is expanded to the rear and drawn upward. Whilst the addition spreads itself over several levels, the original cottage form remains aligned with its adjoining rowed cottages. Maintaining the rhythm of the streetscape, the new works sit behind the sightline of the façade with a manoeuvred response that is as extensive as it is enriching. With the aim to preserve the home’s heritage a core intention, the re-sculpting of the interior offers an unfolding journey of discovery.

Instilling a muted tonality throughout, original grey brickwork is selectively exposed to balance the otherwise smooth and sweeping textures. As light is brought down from skylights above, an interesting play of illumination occurs across the surfaces. These conditions easily lend themselves to being the ideal space for the cultivation of the namesake of the home, an indoor fig tree. Integrated as part of the new and bold extension, the living addition then offers areas of dynamic contrast. Featuring timber and walls washed with light, subtle nods to the natural are felt throughout.

Integrated as part of the new and bold kitchen island, the living addition offers a contrast to the hard and sculpted nature of the island.

As its own retreat space, Tree Island sits humbly among the urban surrounds. Through a crafted approach, Carter Williamson Architects ensures the home’s era and indoor and outdoor experiences are brought together in a balanced and considered manner.