Whadjuk Noongar
Western Australia
We were invited to restore and extend an existing 1934 bungalow adding a new wing and renovating an existing swimming pool. Two landscape corridors were introduced along the north-western and southern boundaries. A concrete rotunda was placed at their junction promoting the garden’s regular occupation with long vistas stretching within constrained limits.
A material idea for the new wing’s envelope arose through exhaustive drawing and physical modelling. This system allowed specific alignments to occur between inside and out – cascading floor levels, setting thresholds to gardens, and clarifying window heads and sills around the building. Scale, shadow, and the integration of coloured external blinds followed. Unfurled in hot months, the blinds shade the interior and create a colour relationship with the resurfaced swimming pool – a vivid blue vessel set into grey concrete which vibrates in Perth’s searing light.
We went to Simon to resolve our unique set of design issues. Throw in a triangular, sloping block, long front boundary and an existing house and pool which was less than ideally positioned. SPA have resolved all of these issues, often using them to advantage. We have a stunning, unique piece of architecture that functions effortlessly for our family of four. The innovative cladding, interior curves and use of colour are the highlights.
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.
