Curvy House

by Ben Callery Architects

Curvy House by Ben Callery Architects is a project that perfectly defines the trademark Ben Callery approach to design – using creative means of getting sunlight into difficult spaces, while creating an uplifting feeling for the occupant.

The existing house was on a narrow 6.5m wide block with neighbouring walls built on both boundaries, a heritage faced that had to be retained and with the difficult orientation of north to the front – all of which make it hard to get sun in and made the original house a cold, dark unfriendly environment. The clients approached Ben Callery Architects to design a naturally comfortable space that would become to perfect environment to lift their spirits.

In response to the site challenge BCA popped up the roof and then curved it up towards the north. The large highlight window brings in warming winter sun and the perimeter of clerestory windows brings light in at all times of the day. The convex curve of the roof bounces direct sun light down into the living space but also creates an illusion of space. The ramp of the peeled roof directs the eye up and outwards increasing the sense of space vertically while the long tail of the roof cantilevering over the back deck accentuating the feeling of length on a small site.

The detailing is carefully considered to create a feeling of floating. The slender structural frame and black steel windows make the roof feel detached. The light coloured ceiling contrasts with the dark solidity of the external walls and cabinetry increasing the sense of weightlessness. As a result the house is naturally comfortable, warm and bright and a delight to occupy.

The heritage parts of the house are retained and celebrated. The original pitched tiled roof is framed by the highlight window and juxtaposed with the new bright interior is a striking reminder of the context. The hard plaster in the old lounged was peeled away to reveal the original brickwork wall and brick lintel that are a feature of the new bathroom celebrating the texture of the old. The detailing of the new accentuates the peeling, as the curved elements continue from the roof to the benchtop, to the floating shelves, the tiled splashback and the back deck.

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