Highlight House | Mather Architecture
2020 ACT Architecture Awards

2020 ACT Architecture Awards: People's Choice
Highlight House | Mather Architecture
Residential Architecture | Houses (Alterations and Additions)
A new sculptural entry, arbour and expansion of the chimney volume has been created, strengthening core compositional elements of the original 1960’s house, with feature gutter that guides water into a pond and landscaped front garden. Internally the project relocated the kitchen and reorienting the living areas to create greater connection to the outdoors.
Raising the ceiling in the formal living/entry area enabled northern light to be slipped in at high level over the top of the garage and provides views to the sky.
A custom design pattern was developed with terracotta tiles incorporating feature tiles brought back by the client from the middle east. This use of strong pattern is evident in each of the major spaces using crafted elements add detail bringing a richness to the project, which enlivens important memories. A surgical approach to the renovation was taken get the most impact from a modest budget.

Client perspective:
How does the design benefit the way you live/work/play/operate/educate/other?
We knew we wanted to change the entrance to our house, to give a more open “feel” and make the awkward living spaces more usable but had no idea how. The design has given us a living room we now use frequently and enjoy being in. The creation of a new entrance room with inside steps into the main body of the house was an inspiration. Lifting the ceiling in this area and adding a high-up, triangular, east-facing window gives the entrance, living and kitchen areas a bright, airy feel, especially on winter mornings. We love it.
Architect
Practice Team
Nikki Butlin – Project Architect
Hayden Macdonald – Architectural Technician
Jeremy Mather – Practice Director
Brendan Chan – Architect
CONSULTANT AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM
Chapman Built – Builder
Certified Building Solutions – Certifier
AJP Engineering – ESD Consultant
Sellick Consultant – Structural Engineer
Aarthi Ayyar-Biddle – Photographer