Sandy Bay Extension

by Matt Williams Architects

This bold, minimal addition to a hillside house by Matt Williams Architects makes the most of a unique brief and relatively constrained site, with the new spaces designed for diverse modes of use.

Sandy Bay, immediately to the south of Hobart’s CBD, is characterized by a long-established and densely occupied hillside overlooking expansive views of the Derwent River and the inlets of its western shore.

The clients wanted a light, sunny and calm home, which related to the character of the neighbourhood and had a cricket pitch for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Consequently, part of their brief to Matt Williams Architects was to develop a minimalist feel to the home. The clients also wanted the landscape to be designed to extend the flow across the site.
Matt Williams Architects have taken a bold yet minimal approach with the new work. In its original form, the entry was through the private spaces, and thoroughfares meandered uncomfortably throughout the building. In order to facilitate the creation of a lighter home, the building was reconceived as a division between old and new, public and private.

The new entry steps bend curvaceously in to the building, as the new design responds diligently to natural form of the landscape. Occupants are welcomed into a stylish new addition that is externally dark, with street aperture large enough to absorb the streetscape and sky, endeavouring to be devoured by its surroundings. Internally the new addition is light and curving, guiding softly and gently decorating the new and old through a large circular glazed door.

The project is ultimately contemporary, designed to introduce architectural boldness to this quiet hillside suburb. However, by seamlessly stitching old with new, Matt Williams Architects have ensured that this Sandy Bay extension obediently respects its neighbouring abodes.