This home renovation by DM2 Architecture is located in a quiet, conservative street where the additions nestle into the suburban setting respecting the scale, form, and materiality of its context. The additions weave between the constraints of a substantial hoop pine, the existing house and a pool sited centrally in the backyard.

Presenting a conservative street elevation, the extended eave overhangs combine with a lower pitching height to reduce the height of the addition whilst the dark elevation of the addition blends it into the shadows of the pine.

Only the double height glazed entry which incorporates Breezway Altair Louvre Windows provides an indicator of the contemporary planning of the addition. The additions focus on the visual awareness and connectedness to the garden and the play of light throughout the created spaces. Whilst the rear of the house opens to the pool and garden via a wall of fixed glass panels and tall, narrow Breezway louvre windows, the considered positions of the openings and window treatments facilitate sight lines throughout the plan whilst also maintaining privacy as desired. These gestures serve to create a light and open interior that captures any available breeze to naturally control the internal climate of the home.

This project is conceived as two buildings brought together as one via the unifying entry and linking external facades. The entry punctuates the space, allowing natural light to filter through the timber battened translucent roof to highlight the textured materials of the two parts. The building tectonics reference the vernacular construction of the Queenslander through the expression of the frame/structure and the application of common materials which provide texture and visual interest. The interiors explore the application and layering of natural and tactile materials to create a rich calming ambiance.

Project Date – 2014

Building Designer – Brad Muller
DM2 Architecture
www.dm2architecture.com.au

Photographer – Scott Burrows
Aperture Photography
www.aperture.com.au