Design Brief:
The clients required a modern new addition to their modest 3 bedroom brick veneer home. They were attracted to the idea of the new addition being of a modern and contrasting style to the existing home. They were keen to explore the use of timber cladding as a dominant finish, similar to others they they had seen in the area designed by the same designer. The brief required additional space for the family to grow in the future and required a new main bedroom with ensuite and an additional living space. The new bedroom was to be located so that it is segregated from the other rooms and acted as another space for adults to escape to. The additional living room also need to be separated from existing living spaces so as to serve as a quiet place to relax. Natural light and views were important for both spaces.

Design Solution:
The site is a generous size, though the original home sits awkwardly upon it. As a battleaxe block it also had the unique feature of the rear boundary being defined as the front boundary, which impacted the design options. Although the clients had intended to build at the rear of the block, we encouraged and developed an alternate concept where a two storey addition was placed at the front of the house as you enter the site. This gives maximum impact to improving the aesthetics of the home as it becomes the defining style of the home by hiding the original dwelling behind its two-storey form. It also presented a practical and cost effective approach to the project by allowing the existing home to be largely untouched throughout the build. Incorporating a new entry into the additions also offers an immediate and more regular experience with the new additions.