Pix Residence

by Sans-Arc Studio

The Pix Residence is an Australian architectural design of warmth and happiness.

The conceptual framework for the Pix Residence, was to design a new living space for a young family, which could be used in a number of ways, for a variety of functions.

A space which emanated happiness, natural light, and in some-way incubate a warming sense of gathering for friends and family.

Aim of the design project by Sans-Arc Studios, was to make the most out of a small block, whilst providing a space for each function of the house, that is a touch more than enough.

By re-designing the house to open up to the North, it uses natural ventilation to cool the house from the South.

Heavy insulation, and natural ventilation via heat-stacking and a combustion heater was incorporated into the new design of this project.

This basic passive ventilation design principle of the house, results in a low reliance of air-conditioning in the warmer months, and acts as an effective heating system throughout house in the cooler months.

In addition, ties to the existing design of the house, via a central service core, the rear living space is pitched to the north, which twists the focus of the extension to the side of the block, rather than to the rear.

This design creates three distinct zones of living space, with plenty of outdoor room, a pool and deck.

The singular ‘living’ room acts as a gathering space adjacent to a generous outdoor entertaining area and a functional yard. The design addition is simple, yet dynamic and functional.

With a young, growing family, sight lines were critical in the design of this house, as the parents wanted to be able to cook dinner; whilst the children are playing in a number of spaces, and they would still have a visual connection with the children.

This design idea follows through to the yard, pool and communal rooms, where everyone still feels together, even when they are all in their own space.

The existing free standing, double fronted cottage has four rooms with a central corridor which links them all together.

The bathroom and laundry service core is used to tie into the existing house design at a lower height, bridging to a taller volume, which is pitched to the north of the house, and frames the yard and the pool, allowing plenty of natural light throughout each space within the house.

The bathroom and laundry are centrally located in the house, but with minimising distances between these wet areas for easy access. The bathtub and toilet also have access to views and the materiality and finishes of these spaces are not compromised in any way.

With a pragmatic and logical focus on feeling, design of the Pix Residence is a well-planned mix of functionality, simplicity and beauty.

Photography by Jonathan VDK.

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