Architecture is a multifaceted collaboration – between architect and client, house and land, material and mood. The alterations and additions project at Glen Huon are the embodiment of these dualities: driven by affordability and livability, the expansive extension is designed to accommodate entertaining and the client’s growing family.
Located on rural land with a mountainous landscape backdrop, Glen Huon is oriented towards views of the Huon River and distant mountain range, which includes the Judbury Conservation Area and Fletchers Hill Reserve. The addition – a simple rectangular form inspired by the shed – houses two bedrooms (including master) and ensuite, effectively doubling the amount of private rooms in the household.
All spaces were considered with functionality in mind: the corridor that connects to the living contains a new study, which in turn opens onto the new entertaining deck. The kitchen and living areas were retained, but altered and expanded in footprint to become open plan (a benefit of the bedroom wing addition).
Glen Huon is a conversation between form and function, a reminder that as our needs change, our homes can evolve to accommodate our tastes. Passionate foodies, the improved spaces and additions allowed better use of space for the activities the clients enjoy.
Fieldnotes:
- The new extension was designed to capture the views of the Judbury Conservation area.
Photography by Peter Mathew.
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.