Australian Capital Territory
Square House is an elevated late 60s modernist home situated on a steeply sloping block in Farrer. The aim was to minimise the impact of any additions on the natural environment by creating very minimal extensions that interrupt the perfect square, with a total of 16m2 added to the floor plan. The first pop out for the kitchen area adds space under the existing roofline, while the second, projects further out than the existing roofline, utilising the continuous roof through to wall properties of longline cladding to create a neat insertion.
New cedar windows provide material warmth and contrast the simple lines of the exterior cladding. Sunshade shrouds on windows to the north and west were added along with stained timber battened garage door, front balustrade, dividing screen, and feature sliding panel. These elements connect the mid century house with the client’s love of Japanese architecture. The result is a calm, light filled home.
The new design has given our home a fresh makeover and has brought us closer to the outdoors. Additionally, it has improved the internal living spaces, making our daily lives more convenient. The kitchen is now more functional, bright, and spacious, enabling us to gather casually for meals. The larger dining room provides a comfortable space for entertaining. We have also converted the popout into a teenage retreat. We love the way the design brings touches of Japanese style from our many trips to Japan to a contemporary midcentury modern.
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.
