Newtown Terrace
By Sam Crawford Architects
2009
Gadi Country / Newtown, NSW
In this century, more than any preceding it, we must recognise the potential of the resources already expended in our built environment. This project is part reworked, part replacement. Functional parts are reworked, others replaced. The whole retained, enhanced and given another life.
Our clients asked for functionality, light and an honest expression of materials.
A single sculptural staircase weaves together the three levels, from a heavy concrete base to a luminous platform of steel and glass.
In order to suit the living patterns of a young family with two small children, the lower level is now a light, open, continuous living platform. Utilities are set to one side and sheathed in glass. Raw concrete/ timber/ steel and glass provide a distinct feel to each level.
Aside from a single glass sheet that replaces the original tiled front porch; the building skin and its relationship to the street and rear lane, remain.
Detailing and material expression is direct, new and old clear. Aside from the front portion of the basement, which is hollowed out for the kitchen, all rooms are left intact. The 19th century terrace and later useful interventions remain.
Bespoke “black” steel hardware, door jambs, stair treads, and handrails clearly evidence their on-site fabrication. Hardwood joists from the existing terrace are reused in new joinery. The form-ply from construction of concrete elements has been reworked into textured door panels for the cellar.
Natural and raw materials, “black” steel, hardwood and glass, requiring little or no surface finish are used throughout. Components such as the stainless steel stair rigging and hardware for the glass walls were selected for superior quality. Each element is designed and built to last, reducing future waste.
“It is a celebration of the sensual experience of materials, surface, space, climate and place.”Peter Hyatt. Jury Member, Vision Awards 2010
Awards
Vision Award – Viridian national award for Creative Use of Glass in a Residential Interior – 2010
Published
Monument Issue 103, June/July 2011
Habitus Issue 09, September 2010
21st Century Houses Downunder October 2010
Viridian Glass July 2010
Project Team
Sam Crawford, Leanne Borg, Hernan Alvarez, Lionel Teh,
Builder
Tricon Constructions
Consultants
Landscape design: Spirit Level
Structural Engineer: Kevin Mongey SDA
Photography
Brett Boardman
Council
City of Sydney
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About the
Professional
Established in 1999, Sam Crawford Architects (SCA) is a design driven architectural practice based in Sydney, Australia. Over the last 20 years, we have established a well-earned reputation for design excellence in residential, cultural and public projects. In addition to our expertise in these areas, we’re also commencing our work in the education sector with both private and public clients.
Our work has been widely published, nationally and internationally and has been recognised in numerous local, state and national awards from the Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Timber Design Awards, Local Government Heritage, Conservation and Urban Design as well as numerous industry awards & commendations.
PeopleOur team is led by Practice Principal and Design Director, Sam Crawford. Alongside the recognition for his built work Sam is highly regarded within the architectural profession. He has led humanitarian architectural projects, conducted gallery based and built research projects, been invited to serve as head-juror for the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards, and was a joint creative-director of the 2014 Australian Institute of Architects National Conference. Sam is co-chair of the Australian Institute of Architects’ Medium Practice Forum, and a member of the Government Architect NSW State Design Review Panel.
With a practice of our size, clients can be assured that Sam is intimately involved in each project. We work in an open-plan studio environment in collaborative teams to ensure the smooth delivery of projects across all scales. Our team is comprised of highly skilled professionals, graduates and students. This mix of team members ensures that each project benefits from the close attention of a dedicated project architect with a support team to efficiently deliver the project. We also have an experienced and dedicated documentation and detailing expert who brings extensive experience of construction detailing to each project.
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