Park Life

by Nest Architects

Park Life by Nest Architects is a renovation to an old Edwardian House where the distinction between new and old has become blurred.

The clients bought a lovely old Edwardian house built in the mid to late 1800’s. The house was in moderate shape but needed a lot of work to try and get it back to its former glory. Both clients have remarked how the entire house feels as though it was always there, as opposed to feeling like an old house with a new extension. The materiality used throughout the project is an attempt to make a bridge between ‘slick / minimal’ and ‘craft / handmade’ styles, which in turn is a direct attempt to reflect the personalities of the clients.

Situated on an irregular dogleg site, Park Life overlooks a park and flanks a popular cycling corridor on its boundary. The house currently divides the private open space into 2 discrete areas, either of which are accessible to the living areas. The building envelope simply reacts against the fence line to the park, providing nothing more than an outdoor corridor.

The dwelling has been partially remodeled, amounting to a series of well-articulated and proportioned light filled spaces that casually flow through to a succession of small outdoor spaces.

Nest Architects have drawn inspiration from the ornamentation of the existing residence, while blurring boundaries by crafting an expressive yet seemingly effortless dialogue with the addition.

An insertion of materials and details: screens, partitions, cabinetry and seating, provide a platform for this growing family and their eclectic contemporary art collection.

In the corner of the rear yard and private garden, a freestanding pavilion presents itself, filling in the site of a former pool with an extensive wine cellar and artist studio.

Ultimately the design of the landscape responds to the activities of daily life. The outdoor activities can be adjacent to similar indoor actives. Nest Architects also brought the 2 discrete outdoor areas together in the centre to create a wonderful and private outdoor living space.

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