Australian Capital Territory
Maggie’s House is the stunning transformation of an original red brick, Plan 404, ex-government home with a 1990s split level extension. The result of a carefully integrated architecture and science process Maggie’s House is an energy and space efficient family home that is now climate resilient and takes full advantage of a leafy northerly outlook over the surrounding neighbourhood and parkland while also connecting beautifully to private garden areas to the rear.
Key principles behind this project:
– Flexibility and adaptability, the home needed to be suitable for a growing family and to host regular visiting family and friends
– Connection with the existing well-established gardens and the neighbourhood
– Climate resilience and solar passive design
– Renovation rather than knockdown rebuild
– Simplicity and a sympathetic streetscape reflective of the original neighbouring homes
The considered design has enhanced our daily life by providing us with a space to connect as a family while being connected with our environment. Treading lightly, being responsive to our surroundings and ensuring a strong connection to outdoor spaces were core to our brief. The relatively modest size of the home, re-use of existing elements, use of recycled materials and solar passive design are reflective of this commitment.
The open, multi-functional living spaces emphasises connection, where life happens together. We love the home’s openness to the street, welcoming engagement with our neighbours, sitting comfortably between the neighbouring houses.
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.
