HAWKER EXTENSION & ALTERATION

• One of the main imperatives is to make good use of the views from living areas and main bedroom – ‘Frame views’.
• An important aspect is to incorporate the use of light (preferably northern sun making use of good solar gain).
• Open-up the house. I.e. improve the inside and outside relationships.
• The basic configurations to be four-bedroom + study with two living areas.
• The study can be informal affair; it doesn’t have to be a ‘go to’ place where serious work is done.
• Ensure there is enough space for baby grand piano in one of living areas. And to permit the occasional gathering of small groups of musicians.
• Allow space for reading.
• Work with significant constraints due to tree coverage on existing site

This project is located in the well-established suburban area of Hawker which is characterised by large blocks and inviting vistas to the Brindabella Mountains.

The existing dwelling was a ‘close to the original’ 1970 house and evocative of its era. The original client brief for the house was to consider a new dwelling but from the architects perspective there seemed some value in attempting to retain the existing in part. TT Architecture edged towards an extension and alteration that responded to the existing conditions.

A virtual forest of mature and now ‘regulated’ gum trees from the original landscape plan covered the site. This to a large extent reinforced the preference of working with the existing structure. The ‘tree issue’ was further complicated with an imperative to achieve good solar orientation and to respect spectacular views to the west.
The resultant home represents a subtly nuanced and respectful response to the existing architecture and site conditions.

It is also a demonstration of an innovatively creative response to construction in the face of significant complexity. The clients are delighted with the resultant value for money.

Ddesigned to maximise northern orientation to living areas and improve overall energy rating from 2 stars to 6 stars.

HIA

Finalist Renovation | Addition Project $500,001 to $650,000