Squirrel Apartments

This art-deco block of 4 apartments is one of a series built at the same time and to the same layout. The front elevation is a heritage listed façade. It was brought up to date with the application of a new colour scheme and landscaping that is sensitive to this history as well as in keeping with the neighbours.  The rear of the property was outdated and underutilized, consisting of a small sunroom, shared laundries and a disused WC. These were removed and rationalized into bedrooms with ensuites and outdoor spaces for each apartment. By increasing the volume of the building, the footprint did not need to be extended outwards. The resulting front and back elevations of the building speak to their respective zeitgeists. The 1920s in the UK saw a popularization of mock Tudor decoration to building facades. The front elevation shows the close historical ties between the UK and Australia at that time. On the other hand, our contemporary composition at the rear articulates our love of outdoor spaces, considered aspect, and design for thermal comfort.