The Hamilton Residence is an existing home with an external envelope that frames expansive city views on each level. However, the interior required streamlining, consolidating and minor inclusions to complete the experience the clients aspired to.

A colour full palette of art and furniture soon cemented the multi-disciplinary design team’s approach. The principle of the house is to be light, and the floor dark enabled the colour and character of each space to flow from the furnishings. To ensure the spaces were homely, warm lights and whites where selected and natural tones from feature stone and timber elements were incorporated.

The primary external addition of a three storey lift at the front gave the duplex home a distinct presence which followed on from the houses form. This in turn created linking spaces on all three levels which were used to control the journey and views to adjacent spaces; as well as doubling as a gallery for the client’s art collection.
The existing open plan layout of the ground level had large scale rooms. These spaces were relatively unchanged however their function greatly improved with the addition of storage and workspaces which didn’t compromise a comfortable scale. The lower and upper level spaces experienced a similar treatment where overlapping the circulation requirements of neighbouring functions gifted greater usable space.

Simple inclusions of solar panels on the existing roof and intelligent glass to all new doors and windows satisfied the environmentally aware client. The tight sight and aspect of the existing ground level external wall predetermined large openings face north and south providing cross ventilation and daylight penetration. The new link structures also provided increased daylight and ventilation capacity with their perforated shading. Shading of external areas is achieved by climbing planting.

Through developing strong communication it was understood what was necessary to complete, while undertaking as little as possible, to deliver the clients a home that serves their lifestyle requirements now and for years to come.