Louisa Street Renovation
Nestled in South Fremantle, this residence is a fusion of heritage and modern family living.
Celebrating simple heritage:
The street frontage, a tribute to turn-of-the-century Australian cottage architecture, remains discrete and humble. The combination of the restored heritage cottage and the contemporary extension creates a visual and spatial juxtaposition. Craftsmanship shines through with a simple palette of white, black, concrete, and warm timber, paying homage to the historic jarrah floorboards and weatherboard of the original cottage.
Function: Gardens as Living Spaces
This project defines its living spaces as extensions to the outside garden. In true Australian style, the boundary between in and outside is operable. The internal courtyard, centered around a cherished olive tree, bathes connected rooms in natural light and makes them feel bigger. The garden, planted with native Australian flora is multilevel leveled offering options for communal use, or private escapism. The dynamic arrangement of roof gardens, water features and ground-level green spaces enhances the visual impact and contributes to a thriving native garden ecosystem.
Sustainable Impact
Commitment to sustainability echoes throughout this project. A conscious decision to keep the renovation small and focus on quality and longevity supports this. The old cottage was restored to its original form. The new roofs are adorned with solar cells and greenery, actively cooling the spaces below. A significant sub-terrain water storage system feeds the gardens. Reusing bricks from the demolished outhouse and preserving the old olive tree demonstrate a dedication to both heritage and the value of the sites story and history.
The Evolution of Heritage
From the careful restoration of the cottage to the innovative garden-centric design, this project is a testament to the value of heritage. It embraces the past, and is built for modern and future living, thus embracing a sustainable legacy. The Louisa Street residence is not just a house; Its a home designed to be multi-generational. A celebration of simple form and an impactful step towards an understated, yet sustainable future.
Team:
Client: Private
Location: South Fremantle, Western Australia
Size: Site 380m2. 110m2 addition + renovation
Architect: Tim Pardoe with Joshua Brook
Photography: Ricky Gestro
Interior Design: Jane Agnew
Builder: Peter Bell Constructions
Structural Engineer: Burdett + Goodison