Darkinjung
NSW Regional
Two generations of family and friends infused the old house and its rambling hillside garden with layers of memories, gatherings and simple rituals repeated each year. A new roof was necessary, repairs, renovations. There was opportunity to consider complementary alterations and additions to improve amenity and to entwine house and garden.
It turned out new foundations were needed too. The project evolved: a new house and garden to replace the old.
Same, same and different. It was imperative that the new house retained the atmosphere of the old and its relationship of rooms. The plan is like its predecessor. Bunkhouse and carport remain outbuildings: paths connect them and the garden spaces nestled into the hillside.
Built with immaculate workmanship and a tight collaboration of client family, architect, builder and landscaper, amidst Covid19 and La Nina, the generosity and respect that imbued the process is palpable in the place.
We didn't intend to build a new house. Dianna introduced us to Chris and Adam. They all understood that the new house had to feel the same as the old one, generous, relaxed. We wanted to reuse all our stuff.
It has the atmosphere of the old house. Everything is much as before, but better.
Its more solid and spacious. We use it year-round. Winter sun comes in and its cool and shady in the summertime. We live as much outside as in, and love inter-connection with the garden and the surroundings that the old house did not provide.