NORTHCOTE HOUSE 04
Surrounded by a context rich in history this Victorian Terrace will be sympathetically updated at the street interface under the constraints of a heritage overlay. Meanwhile the existing rear addition will be removed and replaced with a simplified and respectful contemporary addition housing the new living spaces that add the connection with the north-facing backyard that is currently non-existent.
The materiality from the retained portion of the house is continued however the proposed white painted finish to the brick and lighter toned timber framed windows distinguish the addition from the darker colour scheme of the existing dwelling.
To maximise floor area within the tight height constraints, a mezzanine is carefully slotted in and contains a study (or spare bedroom) overlooking the kitchen and dining spaces below with a near double-height raked ceiling that slopes toward the backyard. The living area benefits from greater access to sunlight in the cooler months due to the higher ceiling and fully glazed wall facing the backyard – a distinct contrast to the current composition of the home.
The north-facing sloped roof plane will provide ideal access to sunlight for solar PVs to power the home, and a modest roof garden delivers a break from the views dominated by the built form from the mezzanine windows. To ensure cool internal spaces in the warmer months, thin profile white aluminium awnings control the level of sunlight penetrating the home whilst louvre windows permit excellent cross-ventilation.
The resulting proposal focuses on resolving the current issues of functionality and access to light with a sensitively considered addition that efficiently utilises space and addresses its historical context.
