Camberwell House

by AM Architecture

Overlooking a leafy park, Camberwell House by AM Architecture provides timber-filled open spaces with an abundance of natural light.

Camberwell House is situated on a unique L-shaped block which overlooks a leafy park in Camberwell, Victoria.

The design brief provided by the owners to AM Architecture stated the family were in need of more living space, better zoning, and most importantly, to create a better connection to the outdoors without the risk of losing the stunning views of the neighbouring parklands.

To resolve this common negotiation, AM Architecture created a new split-level for the living areas, and the entry experience was re-routed to this new centre, which now serves as a connecting element to very clear zoning for kids, parents, guests, living and outdoors.

The feeling of being in the new space, is of standing on-top the fence, in total connection with the park, with the split level allowing a lofty ceiling to accept the leafy aspect of the property. The pavilion concept emerged organically from here, with timber posts forming the boundaries of the pavilion, and support timber lining the canopy overhead.

The rhythm of these posts creates a tactility and depth to the edges of the space, modulating the hardness of the glass surface.

The external clinker brick planes re-appear to bookend the new interior, suggesting that the living areas are an external space. Simple ceramic pendant lights drape down at each post location and a dramatic fireplace reinforce the verticality of both the space and the neighbouring trees.

The space defers to its mid-century roots in its horizontality, honesty in steel connections and braces, natural materials and joinery details. An external venetian blind enlarges the ubiquitous 50s venetian, and the space is furnished with mid-century but forward-looking furniture.

The new living areas have been sited to face north east and north west. Large expanses of glass have been utilized to take in the natural surrounding beauty and allows the winter sun to penetrate deep into the space.

To balance the large expanses of glass, designers used a high performance insulated glazed unit with a low E coating. Large internal walls of face brick have been judiciously placed to allow their thermal mass to accept morning, midday and afternoon sun, and regulate internal temperatures all year around.

Sun penetration is regulated with northern eaves and an external venetian that spans the entire length of the main north eastern and north western façades.

All new spaces are naturally cross ventilated, and all-natural timber throughout is a native plantation oak.

High level clerestory windows are protected from the late western sun by deep fins than mirror the rhythm of glazing and architectural breakup on the existing home. These serve to block hot sun, but also catch the colour of the late afternoon sun to create a warm ambience in the lofty spaces.

Keep up to date with The Local Project’s latest interviews, project overviews, collections releases and more – view our TLP Articles & News.

Explore more design, interior & architecture archives in our TLP Archives Gallery.