Suite Shed | alsoCAN

We retain traditional facades and streetscapes, but what about backyards?

The existing building had been a sleep–out in a working backyard dotted with fruit trees. We wanted to keep this quality and this purpose.

From the outside, the result retains the same profile. Nearly all the existing structure has been kept, but now insulated and wrapped so its waterproof and warm. From the inside all the studwork, cladding and roofing remain, so it looks just like it did before with new fittings.

The new building adds no new floor area. However, we now have a larger bedroom, a refitted bathroom and a large space for living.

A critical part of the design was to make the building fully accessible. There are handrails around the outside of the rooms with sensor–activated lighting, along with more generally accessible aspects such as wheelchair–accessible benchtops, rails, a shower seat and talking kitchen appliances.

Skellig House | Crump Architects

In Skellig House, Crump Architects have created a dramatic shadow in the landscape that creates a harmonious blend of both treehouse and boathouse. The lightweight structure with a dark skin of Shou Sugi Ban hides in the bush on a rocky cliff looking north across the Derwent.
The name is inspired by Skellig Michael, a rocky outcrop off the Irish coast. The owners family is from the west coast of Ireland and felt a strong resemblance between this area and the wild Atlantic coast. The design creates a warm and comforting refuge in this wild southern environment, with a spectacular panoramic view.
The key challenge was to optimise an awkward and constrained suburban block. The final outcome maximises the use of the design envelope and effectively edits out the neighbours to create a low–impact, low profile structure that uses the available space to create privacy and a sense of expanse.

Lanoma Street | Licht Architecture

This project is a playful celebration of a humble 1914 Federation home in East Launceston. The home had charming character but its interiors were dark, internalised and disregarded the backyard and distant views.

A small extension and focus on cosmetic upgrades lifts the home to meet the family’s needs. The new 17m2 addition references the federation details and finesse through a modern interpretation. Archways of the existing verandah are reinterpreted in vaulted ceilings and external shade structures. The internal plan has been rationalised to simplify movement through the home and create connection between rooms. Small moves enabled an ensuite, WIR, laundry, bathroom and separate toilet to be newly accommodated within the existing footprint. The new works draw light deep in to refresh the home. The footprint increased is only marginal but is significant in its result – comfort, joy and connection for the clients.

LAVADA | Studio Ilk

We were approached by Tash and Dan to reimagine their wellness clinic. The new tenancy embedded in the historic IXL Jam Factory fabric on Hobart’s waterfront, 700% larger than their previous location.

Contemporary elements carefully inserted into the constrained heritage envelope; spatial arrangement maximising natural light within a deep floor plan with minimal openings to the exterior façade.

Intentionally engaging and celebrating the work of local craftspeople and designers, from the bespoke furniture to handcrafted ceramics which form part of the subtle wayfinding experience navigating through the clinic.

Stripping back preceding superficial fabric, deliberately exposing and highlighting structure and services within the ceiling zone, celebrating the required functional elements and layers of history in public and shared spaces rather than hiding them away.

An earthy textural layer of materiality provides consistent language of materials: tasmanian oak and travertine. Embodying the Lavada brand which speaks of the uniqueness of lutruwita, Tasmania.

Instagram Youtube Linkedin-in Facebook-f Tiktok Pinterest
Chapters
ARCHITECTURE.COM.AU
The Institute

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.

© Australian Institute of Architects

This form is now closed.