House in the City | James Allen Architect

Designed for a retiring couple leaving the country, the House in the City is a reimagining of the archetypal Adelaide villa. The heritage zoned house was extremely run down, with a leaky roof, rising damp, subsiding footings, cracked walls, family of resident possums and overgrown garden.

The alterations and additions, designed by the couple’s architect son, was organised around a new internal courtyard, defining the old and new parts of the house.

A new pavilion accommodating the living areas across the back of the house is a modern interpretation of the villa with its Dutch-gable roof and masonry construction. There are spaces that both blur and bridge the inside with the outside as well as the new with the old.

The transformative project breathes new life into the dilapidated old house and is a balancing act between continuity and change.

…number 40 | Black Rabbit Architecture + Interiors

…number 40 epitomises a seamless blend of contemporary aesthetics and environmental harmony. Rooted in a deep respect for natural site conditions and the client’s lifestyle, the architecture seeks to minimise its presence while maximising connection to the surrounding treescape. Through strategic material choices and emphasis on openness, the home seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living spaces. Despite facing complex challenges such as the extreme BAL rating, the project team’s collaboration and innovative solutions ensured design integrity and performance. Finishes, spanning various budgetary ranges, showcase a commitment to detail and sustainability, with features like Mag Oxide SIPS and solar arrays enhancing efficiency. Ultimately, this meticulously crafted home serves as a testament to modern living coexisting harmoniously with nature, offering an elegant retreat nestled among the treetops of Stirling.