Image Credit : Jack Lovel
Project Overview
Nestled in Brunswick, our architectural marvel pays homage to the neighborhood's rich industrial heritage. Embracing the past while forging ahead, recycled bricks intertwine with sleek white metal cladding, forming a captivating juxtaposition of textures.
Inside and out, a well-considered material selection combines the essence warmth of birch plywood, sleek polished concrete, and rustic brick flooring. This thoughtfully curated palette infuses the space with tactile richness, shying away from the blandness that is plain white walls.
Inside, raked ceilings and clever void spaces defy expectations, creating an illusion of grandeur within the modest confines. Step into the modest courtyard at the rear, basking in the gentle embrace of the north-eastern sun. Here, a large bi-fold window and integrated bench seat seamlessly blend indoors and outdoors, expanding the living area into the garden. The small house is designed on necessity, not opulence.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Fletcher Hawkins
Diana Ruiz Cantillo
Gaurav Rajadhyax
Photographer: Jack Lovel
Stylist: Without Studio
Builder: Haven Constructions
Project Brief
Replacing a weathered weatherboard home on a narrow 6-meter-wide, 160-square-meter block, Small House offers a modest yet inviting retreat for our client. Born from a simple desire for modern, sustainable living with ease of maintenance, Small House embodies the essence of minimalism and efficiency.
Innovative roof forms define the heart of Small House, featuring a unique parabolic shape that creates a striking central void space above the brick walkway. A central staircase and bridge punctuate this space, adorned with mesh balustrades for added texture and transparency. Raked cathedral-style ceilings in the main living area and bedroom further enhance the sense of spaciousness, defying the home's modest footprint.
As you explore Small House, you'll notice how the spaces effortlessly expand and contract, creating a sense of openness that belies its compact size. In a world where bigger often seems better, Small House serves as a reminder that sustainability and efficiency can be found in even the smallest of packages.
Project Innovation/Need
Small House looked to push the boundaries on what would be considered conventional home interiors, driven by both innovation and contextual inspiration from the neighborhood’s industrial heritage. The design concept is rooted in a thoughtful response to the client brief.
Departing from the dark, narrow walkways typical of terrace homes, Small House introduces a brick walkway link, seamlessly connecting the front gate to the rear courtyard. This innovative feature blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Additionally, a double-height space, accentuated by skylights and strategically positioned low-level windows, floods the interior with natural light, eliminating the darkness that traditionally plagues such areas.
Employing a combination of plywood, concrete, and white cabinetry establishes a minimalist foundation, allowing the client's personal style to shine. Birch Ply ceiling and cabinetry infuse warmth, counterbalancing the coolness of concrete and brick flooring. Vibrant blue mosaics in the showers inject a pop of color, adding character to the interior pallet.
Given the modest room sizes, height and volume were maximized to create an expansive feel. Raked cathedral-style ceilings and double-height void spaces create dynamic, spacious interiors, visually enlarging the home and offering engaging living areas.
Clever space utilization was paramount in ensuring comfort and functionality. Wrap-around joinery provides ample storage while serving as a bench seat for gatherings. An exterior floating bench seat, extending from within through a large bi-fold window, blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living, offering an inviting spot to enjoy a morning coffee in the sun.
Design Challenge
Situated on a narrow site, Small House confronted significant spatial limitations, necessitating inventive solutions to optimize space while respecting neighboring properties. The design and aesthetic directly address these challenges and align with the neighborhood’s character.
To overcome these constraints, a single-story rear structure was implemented to illuminate neighboring yards. Distinctive roof forms, crafted to adhere to regulations, generate a central void space with an eye-catching curved ceiling. Angled walls and curved roofs were strategically positioned to minimize disruption to amenities and ensure ample daylight.
Adhering to council character requirements, the design seamlessly integrates with the existing streetscape. The front façade features a modern gable roof form, and an entry porch with a wire trellis canopy, accented by recycled brickwork. This approach fosters harmonious integration with the surroundings while maintaining a contemporary and distinctive appearance.
Navigating building envelope restrictions demanded innovative problem-solving to realize a modest family home on a compact site.
Sustainability
Small House embodies sustainable residential architecture by prioritizing compactness and strategic land use. Its design emphasizes necessity over opulence, incorporating Solar PV panels, hot water systems, and battery storage for efficient energy utilization. Despite challenges posed by its east-west orientation, skylights maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Concrete and recycled brick flooring create thermal mass, ensuring a comfortable interior climate with reduced energy consumption.
Thoughtful material selection further enhances sustainability, with durable finishes like brick and metal cladding, minimizing maintenance and extending the structure's lifespan. Recycled bricks not only add tactile charm but also divert waste from landfills, embodying a circular approach to resource management. Small House demonstrates that practical design choices and conscientious material selection can create homes that are both environmentally responsible and aesthetically inspiring.
Architecture - Residential - Constructed
This award celebrates the design process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Consideration given for material selection, technology, light and shadow.
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