Highlight House | Mather Architecture

2020 ACT Architecture Awards

Highlight House | Mather Architecture | Photographer: Aarthi Ayyar-Biddle


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.

Highlight House | Mather Architecture | Photographer: Aarthi Ayyar-Biddle

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

Our partners

Principal Partner
Major National Partners
National Corporate Partners
National Supporting Partners

​National Insurance Partner

National Media Partner

Chapter partners

Major Chapter Partner
Chapter Partners
Chapter Awards Partners
Awards Category Partners
People's Choice Partners

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