On Gadigal Land of the Eora Nation
A modern and spatially dramatic home sitting quietly in a beautiful tree lined street in the established suburb of Kensington.
The original altered and dilapidated Federation Bungalow was demolished to
allow for a new home that suited the ideals of the owners and their your family, recently returned from living abroad in Dubai.
Retention options were considered, however the sandy soil and the condition of the existing home and layout did not suit the brief or the budget.
A very simple plan and volume concept for the home evolved. The new house would step gently to meet the ground and be setback to capture North light , under a single second storey pitched roof with gable ends.
The external form, while bold and distinctive sits quietly and respectfully in the Street of Federation Homes.
The huge Liquid Amber Tree in the front garden dominates the Streetscape.
In Summer the house is hidden behind its enormous branches, in Autumn the gold and red leaves provide a vibrant display while in Winter the bare branches are a living sculpture in the garden.
The house becomes a backdrop to this majestic tree, while the Roof Garden Softens and extends the Garden vertically.
The material selection is deeply embedded in the Southern Asian ideals of restraint, respect and respite and reminiscent of Barns found in the countryside of the Northern Hemisphere, reflecting the cultural heritage of the home owners.
The home and garden are a sanctuary for living well.
Perfectly executed Off-Form Concrete, is solid and robust, contrasting with the lightness of the internal volumes with the fine grain of timber used to bring contrast, warmth and detail, inspired by the craftsmanship of both Southern Asia and Scandinavia.
All designs aspects have been considered following Passive Design Principles for economic and environmental sustainability to efficiently light, cool and heat the home.
Living in harmony with nature, using Thermal Mass to Heat the Living Rooms naturally in Winter and Stack Effect Natural Ventilation to cool the home in Summer, windows can be open or closed, screened or covered in beautiful opaque linen curtains to soften the light filtering into the home.
Location : Kensington , Sydney, NSW
Builder : Cumberland Building
Structure : SDA Structures
Landscape : Harrison Landscaping
Photographer : James Kinnear
Completion : 2024
