those architects turn post-war build into home for young family

those architects turn brick residence into light-filled home for young family
all images by luc remond

originally owned by the client’s grandmother, the residence in the quiet sydney beachside suburb of maroubra has been re-designed by those architects to facilitate the lifestyle of the young family who resides today. the area is characterized by small lots and post-war, spec-built semis, typically with small footprints and rooms, with no connection to the outside.

as one of the few remaining affordable beachside suburbs of sydney, maroubra has seen an influx of young families wanting to be close to both the city and the beach. many houses in the area have undergone renovations over the past 10 years. the typical design response has been to build off the back of the existing dwelling, two storeys high, running boundary to boundary. ‘the problem with this approach is that you end up with a major disconnect between the house and backyard due to differences in floor level and the surrounding ground level.’ comments the architects, ‘additionally, you block solar access from midday onwards which makes for a dark, damp and unappealing yard that is difficult to use.’

the pivoting window provides a connection to the outside

the architects discussed with the clients about how they wanted to use the house and they came to a conclusion. the property needed to be flexible, robust and light. it had to be suitable for a young family, and remain adaptable as their family grows, while also providing them the ability to entertain family and friends. being surrounded by natural light and fresh air was another key component of the brief.

the home has been re-organized to suit the needs of the young family

to facilitate the requirements, strategies such as having the living areas brought down to be at the same level with the outdoors, a new courtyard between the existing house and the new addition for more sunlight, and the addition of a galley style kitchen that connects into the rear of the old house and looks into the courtyard outside.

the property was originally owned by the client’s grandmother

the kitchen is linked to the living and dining areas of the home through a concrete bench that extends the full length of the living space. the bench provides out-of-sight storage for AV equipment, books, toys and firewood below as well as providing additional seating for the living area.

a concrete bench links the lower level together