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

Jury citation

Successfully bridging the space between a largely intact four-bedroom Federation cottage and a more significant imposing jacaranda tree at the rear, Jac delivers a cohesive and delightful place for dwelling. The architects have respected both bookend structures and left them in their original state. The additions have been executed as a linking element in a neutral palette of interlocking white volumes overlaid by untreated spotted gum battens on the exterior.

As the land falls away to the rear, the cottage floor level sets the datum for a robust base wall for the two-storey addition, from which o ff-form concrete bench seats are cast and an island kitchen bench sits. This line also moderates window placement, backyard door configuration and a delightful kitchen window nook.

Deft handling of the plan allows an assembly of volumes, distinguished from the cottage by a northern courtyard on one side and a bathroom, complete with sunken bath, on the other. The two-storey addition responds in form, sweeping toward the tentacles of the imposing jacaranda, which embraces the garden. A mezzanine study is accessed via a narrow return stair and bridge, exploring light and space with controlled window placements to sky, rooftops and the omnipresent jacaranda.

Jac was reviewed by Jennifer McMaster in Houses 115.