COMMENDATION FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - HOUSES
RUSH HOUSE
TOWNSEND + ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS
CATEGORY:RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - HOUSES
This robust and expressive addition is hidden behind a humble 1950s red brick cottage in a leafy inner suburban street. The new work retains the simple character of the original house while enhancing connections to its immediate surroundings.
No attempt has been made to replicate the existing building form, and the striking white and black insertion into the rear yard makes a dramatic contrast to its red brick precursor. At the same time, the new wing is polite in its scale and is thoughtfully positioned to maintain natural light and privacy for the older rooms. A dynamic shift in scale occurs as the new wing steps down the site and wraps around a mature Liquidambar tree, which shades a new outdoor living platform.
A clear sequence of spaces leads from the entry to the new living and sleeping areas and the rear yard. Existing rooms remain largely unaltered other than the original kitchen and laundry zone that is now a formal dining area.
A glazed link connects the old and new parts of the house, with views into a secluded courtyard. Black and white joinery units are an inversion of the exterior cladding, with handcrafted hardwood handles that reference detailing from the era of the original cottage. White painted timber windows and unadorned lighting further enhance the bond between old and new. The result is a light-filled and functional family home that celebrates craftsmanship and attention to detail.
PROJECT TEAM
Architect/Practice: Townsend + Associates Architects
Practice Team: Ben Walker (Project Architect), Robbie Speight (Project Architect), Bruce Townsend (Design Architect), Zlatko Nemet (Senior Draftsman)
Consultant Team: Northrop (Bryan Cossart - Structural Consultant), Harris Hobbs (Landscape Consultant), BCA Certifiers (Building Surveyor)
Construction Team: Brett Lentfer (Builder), Matrix Joinery (David Cavanagh - Joinery), Brian Cropp (Steel Specialist), Litetech (Lighting Suppliers), AEK Electrical (Electrician)
Photographer: Cameron Bloom
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