The Kite
A stand of silver birches marks the place. Their trunks are white heat, tempered by pools of black. Everything here is light and shade. Taking cue from their slender friends, black downpipes score the white walls of the house, disappearing into the canopy above.
Approaching the threshold, the visitor is welcomed by pockets of shade nestled among protective brick walls. A large pivot window and a large pivot door throw themselves wide open, exposing the full throat of the house to the garden.
| Location | Albert Park |
| Completed | 2015 |
| Budget | $500,000 |
| Awards | 2018, Victoria Architecture Awards, Residential Award |
| 2016, ArchiTeam, commendation | |
| 2016, House Awards, shortlisted | |
| Construction | KLE Building Group |
| Photography | Peter Bennetts & Tom Hutton |
| Details | See floor plan |
the roof rests like a canopy.
Sky and foliage
are ever-present.
from all sides
marking the passage of a day,
while overhead, triangles
beget triangles,
folding and multiplying
against the sky
like barely
tethered kites.
This house renovation stretches diagonally across the junction of its L-shaped backyard, unifying the two arms of the garden with a single gesture. Fin-walls project from the new living spaces, creating pockets of shade and shelter at the thresholds of outdoor living.
Internally, the geometry of the external canopy is drawn inside, bleeding the boundary between indoor and outdoor areas. This gesture also affords the opportunity to ‘flip’ open the rooftop, inviting shards of morning light into the living areas. Through the course of the day, sunlight penetrates the house from multiple angles, subtly marking the passage of time.
In the backyard a garage/studio building emulates the angular gesture of its sibling, though tips its hat in deference. Beneath its generous brim, a private garden provides a place of reflection for the studio space within.
Working with Architecture architecture gave us access to creativity, ideas, knowledge and skills. The team delivered versatile, light and relaxed spaces that enhance the way we live.
Virginia and Edward
Terrace #71
How to make a single-fronted terrace house light-filled and liveable? Simply so. Working within the footprint of the existing, rooms have been opened-up and reconfigured, lending them clarity, beauty and purpose.Terrace #71
, chase the shadows away.
Sunday
Sunday is a home for physical and psychological well-being, providing a diversity of spaces where occupants can always find a place of comfort: social spaces and private spaces; generous spaces and intimate spaces; spaces to gather and spaces to retreat.Sunday
, to gather and retreat.
Park Life
Curious neighbours slow their cars. From between the trees across a vast nature strip, a fence-like shed with a cyclops eye peers back at them. ‘Whose world is this?’ they ask.Williamstown North