‘Tathra’ is a Victorian terrace house, the end terrace of a row of five, originally built in 1902. It was substantially altered in the 1970’s with removal of all the internal fabric (staircase, fireplaces, timber windows etc) Subsequently there was nothing of the original house worth saving, apart from the front and side walls.
The brief was to create open plan living/Dining/Kitchen spaces opening to a rear terrace, northern views and sunlight plus add a third bedroom and bathroom to an existing 2 Bedroom house.
The material palette of this contemporary terrace house is very simple and clean - timber floors and joinery; exposed concrete floors, walls and ceilings; steel stairs, windows and lighting.
The central stair and lightwell provide the focus for the house and provide dramatic impact upon entry. The stair is a strong sculptural element to the space; mild steel treads and risers floating between the strong lines of the terrace side walls. The stairs extend up a double height stairwell, lit by northern louvred windows, streaming natural light into the centre of the house.
The rear section of the house is constructed of four levels of concrete slabs, with polished floors and exposed ceilings to the lower levels creating contemporary clean spaces. Harbour views to the north are visible from all levels and all rooms apart from the front southern bedroom and bathroom.
An increased side setback to the new Master Bedroom, required after neighbor negotiations, created a bonus 5 metre long skylight to the kitchen, resulting in one of the gems of the house!
The house has achieved an open plan with visual connection to all the Living areas, an abundance of light and ventilation to all spaces, and has delivered three bedrooms all quite private and separated.
Credits:
- Annabelle Chapman Architect Pty Ltd - Tathra - Annabelle Chapman