The low cost addition takes advantage of the length of the block by placing the new living space deep in the back yard and using the wet areas to separate the public and private spaces.

The spacious kitchen commands a central view into each outdoor space, allowing access to passive ventilation and casual observation of the client’s young family.

A double height space has been created by cleverly twisting the upper floor to the north, with a flexible mezzanine library accessible via a quirky ladder.

The extra height enhances the addition’s generosity of light, and exhausts hot air via motorised louvres and draws cooling breezes through the south-facing windows. The steel frame is expressed at the rear and is folded back to expose the interior to sunlight appropriate to the site orientation.

A simple palette is maintained internally, with dark charcoal painted timber-framed windows, warm-toned EO plywood, low VOC polished concrete flooring, and recycled brick paving.

Sustainability has been embraced throughout the project from the form of the new volumes to the selection of the materials.