t+d residence | buck&simple.

alterations &additions

2014

botany nsw, australia

private residence

A traditional semi-detached house seeks to accommodate a multitude of roles for a young family into a single space. The design incorporates all living areas into one compact, 8mx3.5m volume. Kitchen, Living, Dining and Outdoor areas combine into a complex layered solution that encourages a dynamic family social situation.

Limited space and a complex brief dictated adjustability in functionality and operability dominate interior programming.
Like a boat weathering a storm, the design sought to explore our practice’s ongoing philosophy to have built elements respond to function and climate.

Operable glass panels and hardwood screens articulate shadows allowing inhabitants to react to changing conditions. Robust, detailed joinery stowed on enclosing walls yields a free floor plan

Integrating landscape horizontally and vertically creates a larger world than the envelope would seem to permit. First impressions upon entering the space is a flood of natural light onto untreated, self-finishing materials.
Achieved by placing an oversized skylight immediately over the Dining space and a deliberately high-set deck and pergola structure, the volume opens up to light and views from the comfort-inducing sunken lounge.

Proportionately oversized exposed recycled timber and steel structure consistently repeats throughout the ceiling and external framing settling the expectant eye. Their oversized nature allowing solid, hardwood hinged panels to open, free of structure for adjacent casual seating, revealing a potted green wall beyond or bunker down to the elements.

The result is a busy, eclectic gathering of spaces, finishes and qualities of light, which overlap allowing functionality beyond expectation.

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crafted by ‘tabmac construction‘
photography by ‘francesco camillo photography’