The Wangal and Gadigal peoples of the Eora Nation.
New South Wales
Described by our clients as their ‘beautiful alien jellyfish’, this little house delivers above its scale. Borrowing space and outlook from neighbouring parkland, this inner-urban idyll is simultaneously a retreat from the busy world and a connection to community and landscape.
Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
This design has reframed the constraints of restrictive council controls as an opportunity for delight. The strong triangular geometry is positively and successfully pursued throughout, and by generously opening the rear of the house to the large adjacent park, the occupants can feel as if they are living on a ‘grand estate’ in a very solid, well-crafted ‘tent’.
The entire design has been intelligently and efficiently planned in a deceptively effortless way, with a new upper level maximising the modest footprint of the existing terrace house. The internal material palette, predominantly plantation radiata pine and hoop ply lining, introduces a calming softness that feels appropriate to the quiet suburban parkland setting. Every junction and corner is meticulously considered and thoughtfully resolved, edges are layered with enclosure, shading, privacy, security, while the clever use of mirrors and stainless steel serve to expand spaces, dissolve edges and bounce additional light into the interiors.
Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions)
This design has reframed the constraints of restrictive council controls as an opportunity for delight. The strong triangular geometry is positively and successfully pursued throughout, and by generously opening the rear of the house to the large adjacent park, the occupants can feel as if they are living on a ‘grand estate’ in a very solid, well-crafted ‘tent’.
The entire design has been intelligently and efficiently planned in a deceptively effortless way, with a new upper level maximising the modest footprint of the existing terrace house. The internal material palette, predominantly plantation radiata pine and hoop ply lining, introduces a calming softness that feels appropriate to the quiet suburban parkland setting. Every junction and corner is meticulously considered and thoughtfully resolved, edges are layered with enclosure, shading, privacy, security, while the clever use of mirrors and stainless steel serve to expand spaces, dissolve edges and bounce additional light into the interiors.
We chose this site as an inner-city retreat, immersed in tall trees and open parkland – and this design has truly unlocked it. The main living space exists as a seamless extension of the park, surrounded by swaying leaves, shifting light and birdsong at dusk. The bedrooms are framed, moving portraits of grass and bush, dogs, and kids on adventures. The palette and composition of the house echo the landscape – greens, browns, and reddy purples of a eucalypt – kept minimal and organic. It’s our place to rest, our base for exploration, and our refuge for enjoying great company.
Hannah Tribe, Design Architect
Matthew Argent, Project Architect
Samuel Otton, Graduate of Architecture
Cantilever, Structural Engineer
ITM Design Pty Ltd, Hydraulic Consultant
aSquare Planning, Planner
Residential Certifying Pty Ltd, Private Certifier
Koala Arbor Consulting Arborists, Aborist
Florian Wild, Landscape Consultant
Acoustic Logic, Acoustic Consultant