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As so often happens with heritage buildings, additions are made that mask, rather than celebrate, the beauty and purpose of the original structure. Blue Magnolia is a rare example of an 1840s row house building on an internal lot in urban Hobart that caught the artistic eyes of our client and piqued their interest.

To create a spectacular extension with ‘wow’ factor, we embraced the dual tactics of conservation and restoration. Stripping back the unsympathetic 1980’s structures revealed an opportunity to enhance the original 1840s building with modern amenities. Hints of the previous layout can be found in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, from the plywood lining that marks passages through thick stone walls, to the void and visible upper floor patching that takes the place of the two original stairwells.

By pairing back Blue Magnolia’s history of alterations, one can connect the old with the new. This is most visible via a series of skylights that introduce more natural light and are a nod to the surrounding urban setting. Existing now as a series of simple, dark-coloured rectangular forms with a curious internal stone patchwork feature, Blue Magnolia is visually subservient to its original design but in a way that supports its contemporary use.

Fieldnotes:

- The spirit of the heritage urban setting drove the concept for the new addition, becoming subservient to the surroundings and harmonising with the heritage context.

- The character and texture of the rubble stone used to construct the retaining wall, and the 1840's Row house inspired the removal of the outer render to reveal the stone internally, thus becoming a key design feature.

- The retention of the historic 1840's Row house enriched the design solutions. The new extension needed to resonate with the existing 1840's Row house, and therefore the 1970s additions were removed.

Photography by Peter Mathew.

Biotope Architecture and Interiors
Hobart, Tasmania
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Professionals used in
Blue Magnolia

About the
Professional

We adopt a holistic approach to designing buildings. From homes with minimal impact on the ecology of a site and discreet additions that complement existing structures to bespoke interiors crafted through collaborations with local makers. Our designs focus on context and seek to enhance the connection to the site through carefully considered spatial composition.

We look to both the immediate and broader landscapes for cues on how to preserve, regenerate and create a natural environment setting for each of our projects. It’s why we often introduce building elements, like courtyards and skylights, for example, to connect to the external environment and surrounding skyscapes. We also use passive solar design principles to reduce costs and be kinder to the Earth.

When life changes we often need to alter or expand the spaces we occupy. Whether that’s an extension to the family home for entertaining or an environmentally conscious workspace in a heritage-listed property. We design to retain and work with as much of the original heritage fabric as possible while transforming the building into a space that fits your current and future needs.

We take the location of a building and its distinctive setting seriously. These design principles grew out of the need to create an architectural language and expression that keeps with current thinking and the need for sustainable, environmentally sensitive buildings. Flora, fauna, the weather, the urban context and site history all play a significant part in informing design practice so that structures are unobtrusive elements on the landscape. Local materials and craftsmen are resourced and their bespoke elements reference the site and the environment in which a building will stand.

As the anchor for our clients, consultancy team, builders and makers, collaboration is key to the realisation of every project. Get in touch with us to start a conversation about your next project.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.