2017 National Architecture Awards: Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Award

Jury citation

This delightful dwelling celebrates the value of a humble 1970s beach bungalow. Faced with an exposed corner location surrounded by multi-level developments, the architects have enveloped the bungalow in a series of skillion structures that refocus everything onto a tranquil core. The new elements provide privacy, sun protection and a buffer to traffic noise. Of particular delight is the entry sequence, leading along a native garden that generously gives back to the street, past an outdoor shower and through a battened privacy screen to a lush inner sanctum.

All the new spaces are drawn away from the original bungalow, delivering landscaped courtyards and new wings for a carport, bedroom accommodation and outdoor decks. An intimate knowledge of the local climate is evident, with prevailing winds used for cross-ventilation and outdoor spaces orientated for seasonal weather. The landscape is layered into indigenous, local and hybrid plants. Integration is a key strength of this scheme, given the climate and proximity to the intersection.

The original beachside bungalow fabric is judiciously celebrated, revealed, cherished and re-used. Memory of easy living by the sea becomes a reality in this richly layered and meaningful work.

Burleigh Street House was reviewed by Kateline Butler in Houses 116.