Northcote Residence

VIC, Australia

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Northcote Residence

VIC, Australia

Firm

Wolveridge Architects

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2014

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

The context for this project is largely related to heritage, Melbourne’s inner north suburbs where housing stock is generally freestanding, open to the street and light framed construction. The subject dwelling comprises an asymmetrical façade and central corridor adjoining two rooms either side as typical. Our brief called for the demolition of a poor rear alteration and construction of extensions in its place. The works comprised a renovation of the existing building and new single storey rear additions incorporating pool, cellar and the main living facilities for a young family. The site planning was laid out to respond and maximize solar gain with the long northerly boundary. To achieve this, the bulk of the new work was built up to the south and rear eastern boundary, save for light and ventilation wells that span the south boundary. The design response was concerned with how the new work would connect with the existing building in a physical sense. An internal brick path, constructed from bricks found on the site formed the junction between old and new and continued from entry, comprising the new work and terminating with a garden outlook.

The existing conditions were extremely poor with ordinary day light that required artificial support during the day and a challenged connection with the outdoor space. The inhabitants now enjoy a well zoned home that retains a sense of the intimacy that relates to the scale of the original home. The occupants enjoy natural light, fresh breezes through the habitable spaces and improved recreational conditions including a swimming pool. The living room has a TV, but is hidden behind a sliding polished plaster screen and now the record player has emerged after years in a box.

The new works are not visible from the street; however that did not diminish our intention for the physical form to establish a connection to the existing dwelling. The connecting elements in plan, the laundry and kids bathroom incorporates a lower roof with the spring height of the existing dwelling recognized at the roof height of the new work. Refer external images. A dialogue established between old and new conveys a sense of relevance that lends integrity to the design. The incorporation of red bricks from the site has been extensive and recalls a historical notion of a previous life.

The program laid out a response both to the requirements of the brief in conjunction with how those spaces should make best use of the site. Logically a central living arrangement with a connected kitchen/dining, but separated and more intimate scale living area was agreed. The L-shape of the living spaces enabled more spaces to connect with the north facing garden and pool. Storage requirements were large and provided accordingly. A separation of parents and kids rooms was accommodated and the physical demarcation between the old and new parts of the house has translated strongly providing historical reminders.

This project enjoyed the benefits of a proactive builder whose original estimate remained very close to the eventual construction figure. McKerlie’s contribution assisted us in many ways. An example was how to deal with the client’s requirement for incorporating a wine cellar (one of the owners is a wine maker). And our response was to locate is sub ground adjacent to and as part of the pool structure. Together with the project engineer, this was resolved and constructed efficiently and economically.

We sought submissions from a number of suitable builders for this project at the time concepts were being prepared. On the basis of those submissions, one builder was selected. He agreed to work through the detail design and his contribution meant that the eventual contract sum remained very close to his estimate. We think the project incorporates a high level of detail resolution, incorporation of durable, quality materials for a very reasonable cost. Where possible, we have incorporated recycled materials – bricks, internal timber cladding and black stained plywood internal lining. Those finishes lend a robust yet valuable quality.

The project incorporates an extensive number of passive design features. The south and east walls are generally reverse or insulated double brick on concrete slab. As the living areas all face north, sun studies were undertaken to omit high summer sun from the dwelling's interior, yet encourage the entry of the low winter sun. This was assisted by elevating sills 400mm above floor level, which provided a zone for hydronic heating panels. The long length of the new work provided opportunities for light and ventilation wells along the southern side of the building. Each new habitable room benefits from cooling southerly breezes. During this summer's 45 degree heat, the owners had just moved in and reported internal temperatures of around 27 degrees. We encouraged the clients not to invest in air-conditioning, but just to relocate an existing one to the home office. 2KW of grid connected solar panels were provided, solar hot water, all of which are located in a north facing roof that is otherwise not visible from any aspect in the garden. All new windows are double glazed and casement openables are terrific for ventilation. The energy rating for the new work exceeds 6 stars.