Newcastle Alterations | Bourne Blue Architecture pty ltd

The existing terrace dwelling is one in a row of four 3-storey terraces located on a steep hill rising up from the harbour and city centre. When purchased by our clients the terrace had a rear 2-storey lean-to with curved roof containing a kitchen at Level 1 and bathroom at Level 2, as well as a cantilevered ensuite at Level 3 which landlocked the adjoining bedroom. The terrace had little connection with the rear courtyard area, minimal opportunities for solar access, and did not take advantage of the potential views of the working harbour to the north-west.

The new work involved the demolition of the lean-to and cantilevered ensuite structures and construction of a new 3-storey addition over the existing slab, carefully sitting below the sill heights of the neighbours’ upper-level windows. The new addition houses a Kitchen at Level 1, Bathroom and WC at Level 2 and a Sitting area at Level 3. The addition opens up to the northern corner with sliding doors at Level 1 and sliding windows above at Levels 2 & 3 creating a strong connection to the courtyard and bringing light and ventilation into the terrace. In good weather all three levels can be opened up to effectively act as roofed deck spaces. From the Level 3 sitting area views of the harbour can be enjoyed.

The addition is clad in prefinished compressed fibre cement sheets with a regular panel layout matching the new glazing heights.

New joinery has been designed for the existing rooms of the terrace, and a new bathroom inserted centrally at Level 3.