Australian Capital Territory
Bookending the front and rear of an existing midcentury Seidler inspired dwelling are two interventions that respect the original design. At the front, an undercroft area has been infilled to provide storage and a place for creative pursuits. At the rear, a contrasting two storey form holds new living and sleeping spaces.
Overcoming a challenging position on a wedgeshaped block, the new form is like a Tetris piece that hugs the existing dwelling whilst stepping to work with boundary setbacks. As a deliberate contrast to the existing dwellings cream brick, the new addition is clad in vertical Shou Sugi Ban, with a base of cream bricks, salvaged from a removed section of the rear façade, blending old and new together.
Bookend Addition is a light touch approach that enhances the dwellings liveability with a striking lightfilled form that makes the most of its unique position adjacent bushland.
Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Studio Heim have understood the complex layered history of this house across 1965, 1973, and 2015. Impact on the original dwelling is minimized and livability maximised, through two ‘bookend’ interventions of storage/workshop at front and living areas to the rear.
The original semi-enclosed kitchen and its 1960’s colour palette is maintained in a refreshing change from a conventional open plan. Other clever planning results in delightful spatial experiences, such as the new study nook on a bridge overlooking the double height living space. An intimate and uniquely angled balcony from the new bedroom makes sense upon visiting the house, framing the rear reserve on the difficult wedge-shaped block. The new Shou Sugi Ban black cladding recedes to instead highlight the original dwelling and surrounding landscape.
The detailing of joinery and a custom ladder in the generous living room showcase the client’s eclectic collection of art, books, and ceramics. Storage for vinyl records at ground level doubles as a generous window seat, looking out to the private courtyard and the reserve beyond. The Bookend Studio is an exercise in understanding the intricacies of character and foregrounding the best aspects of an existing home and its residents.
Poet Mary Oliver once said she got saved by the beauty of the world. Post renovation, we feel in conversation with the beauty and mood of the Majura bush in a completely new way. Were a transient family, moving frequently. Now we finally have a home that reflects us. It works wonderfully, including for our three almost grown girls, allowing us to zone spaces for sleepovers/late nights, then opening for free flow. Its warm but open, quiet but fun were grateful for it daily! We also loved the design and build, a tribute to the exceptional Studio Heim and Taylor/Knowles.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
