Ngunnawal Country
Australian Capital Territory
F.C.T Additions is a small addition to an existing Wakefield Gardens cottage, designed to respond to its heritage context and maximising passive comfort. Pressed between the back of the dwelling and a stormwater easement, the design uses a sectional analysis of the existing house to create a compatible form that maximizes north-facing winter sun in a south-facing context. The addition utilises recycled Canberra Red bricks, a battened façade with subtle timber and steel elements, echoing the existing textural character, whilst differentiating new from old. Internally, the volume is carved to form an expansive, sunlit space with high-level glazing, behind the existing roofline.
The project preserves the historic spatial logic, with key rooms retained in the existing dwelling. A considered approach to the streetscape promotes a hierarchy of landscape, heritage and new forms as a layered composition. Enhanced accessibility is achieved through strategic internal planning and subtle reconfiguration to heritage elements.
Our home still feels like the old one. The design enhances its heritage bones, while giving us better functionality. Finishings include contemporary limestone tiles and original heritage lights, with a new link corridor that leads from the restored heritage living room to the new open plan area. The new open plan area allows my family to comfortably hang out, share meals, play games, inside and outside, and in any weather. There is a fully accessible bathroom and guest room. Utility bills are very low. The footprint of the old house is not greatly increased, but our home feels very roomy.