Whajuk Noongar Boodjar
Western Australia
White House explores the enduring image and value of the ‘white painted timber cottage’ and seeks to construct a contemporary interpretation that riffs on the detail, material and cultural associations.
The Carnac St precinct, South Fremantle, is typified by the collective aesthetic of small timber and iron workers cottages that characterise the streetscape.
The existing weatherboard cottage, C1899, registered on the Municipal Heritage List for contribution to the streetscape. The verandah and front two rooms of the cottage are retained and restored, presenting as foreground to the streetscape with the rear extension set well back.
The north aspect is welcomed into indoor outdoor/living areas, extending the sense of space and easy connection to the garden, alfresco terrace and swimming pool, generous and flexible spaces that can evolve with the family as their needs change.
The project emphasises preservation, functionality, and sustainable design that contribute to the legacy of the site.
The design embraces our lifestyle with growing teenagers and the family dog (Smudge). Downstairs builds family conversations while easily entertaining larger groups. The sliding doors combine the indoors with the outside garden/entertaining area where we love to soak up the morning sun with a cup of tea, BBQ and host pool parties. When it comes to quiet time, the upstairs bedrooms have great separation and provide our teenagers their space while we relax in the master, overlooking the peaceful surrounds of the back yard.Functional, practical and beautiful, it is arduous to leave and a solace when we return.